What is Merriman's Mai Tai?

Merriman's Mai Tai is the signature Hawaiian tropical drink served at Merriman's restaurants across Hawaii. It is celebrated for its use of local ingredients, tropical citrus balance, and distinctive liliko'i element. This version recreates the full flavor without any alcohol.

Why is Merriman's Mai Tai so popular?

It stands out because of the quality of its ingredients and the balance of flavors — sweet, tart, tropical, and layered. The liliko'i element and the foam topping give it a character that most Mai Tais don't have.

What ingredients are used in Merriman's Mai Tai mocktail?

Cold brew black tea, coconut water, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice and zest, orgeat syrup, simple syrup, liliko'i syrup or passion fruit purée, grenadine for the float, and crushed ice. The foam uses passion fruit purée and egg white or aquafaba.

What makes Merriman's Mai Tai different from a classic Mai Tai?

The classic Mai Tai uses rum, lime, orgeat, and orange curaçao. Merriman's version adds liliko'i for a Hawaiian character and sometimes a foam topping. This mocktail version replaces the alcoholic components while preserving the structure and flavor of both.

Can I make Merriman's Mai Tai mocktail at home?

Yes. The most important preparation step is making the cold brew tea at least 8 hours ahead. Everything else takes about 5 minutes. The ingredients are all available at most grocery stores or online.

What type of tea is best for this mocktail?

A bold black tea — Assam, English Breakfast, or Irish Breakfast — gives the best color and depth. Green tea or light teas will not provide enough body or color to work as a rum substitute.

What does this Mai Tai mocktail taste like?

Tropical, balanced, and layered. The cold brew tea provides a slightly bitter, earthy backbone. The lime and orange bring citrus brightness. The orgeat adds nutty sweetness. The liliko'i finishes with a floral, tart tropical note. The grenadine float adds a light pomegranate sweetness in the first sip.

What garnish is used for Merriman's Mai Tai?

Fresh mint, lime wheel, cherry, and pineapple wedge are the standard garnishes. A fresh orchid or a cocktail umbrella adds a festive Hawaiian touch.

Can this mocktail be adjusted for different tastes?

Yes. Add more orgeat for sweetness, more lime for tartness, more passion fruit for a tropical boost, or a splash of pineapple juice for a fruitier profile. The recipe is flexible.

When is the best time to serve Merriman's Mai Tai mocktail?

It works well at summer gatherings, family parties, luau-themed events, or any occasion where you want a festive, beautiful drink that everyone can enjoy regardless of whether they drink alcohol.

Merriman's Mai Tai Recipe — No-Alcohol Hawaiian Mocktail

Description

A tropical alcohol-free version of the famous Hawaiian Merriman’s Mai Tai, featuring cold brew black tea, coconut water, fresh citrus, orgeat, and liliko’i for a beautifully layered mocktail experience.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz cold brew black tea
1 oz coconut water
0.75 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz fresh orange juice
0.5 oz orgeat syrup
0.25 oz simple syrup
0.5 oz liliko’i syrup or passion fruit purée
0.5 oz grenadine (for float)
Crushed pearl ice
Fresh mint sprig
Lime wheel
Cherry
Pineapple wedge

Instructions

Prepare strong cold brew black tea by steeping black tea in cold water for 8 hours, then strain and chill.
Add cold brew tea, coconut water, lime juice, orange juice, orgeat syrup, simple syrup, and liliko’i syrup to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker two-thirds with cubed ice.
Shake firmly for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
Pack a rocks glass or tiki mug with crushed ice.
Strain the mocktail mixture over the crushed ice.
Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a bar spoon to create a float.
Garnish with mint sprig, lime wheel, cherry, and pineapple wedge.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Use strong cold brew tea for proper color and depth. Fresh lime juice and real orgeat make the biggest difference in flavor. Float the grenadine just before serving for the best layered effect.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drink
Calories: 90
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: merrimans mai tai mocktail, hawaiian mocktail, mai tai without alcohol, liliko i mocktail, tropical mocktail