slides: The Ten Best Mai Tais in Worcester County

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

The Mai Tai. To quote 'Seinfeld,' the Mai Tai is "like the lure of the siren song. Never what it seems to be, but who among us can resist?"

According to legend, the Mai Tai was invented at Trader Vic's in Oakland, California in the 1944. In the 1950s and 60s, the drink became so popular it sparked a new bar culture with Polynesian Restaurants, Tiki Lounges and coconut filled drinks. The Mai Tai became popular in Japanese and Chinese restaurants in America in the early 1980s. Today, Mai Tais can be found in nearly every bar and restaurant. However, Mai Tais are actually named after the Tahitian word for "out of this world."

Mai Tais are known for packing a punch. In Worcester, Mai Tais are popular "pre-game" cocktails for all ages. Today's Mai Tai consists of either bases of rum or vodka, combined with sour mix, orange curacao, amaretto, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, and other ingredients. Some original rum-based Mai Tais are even topped with 151 Proof Rum. Sometimes, you just don't even want to know what's in your Mai Tai.

Here's a classic Mai Tai Recipe: one ounce each of dark rum and light rum. 1/2 ounce of lime juice and 1/2 ounce of orange curacao or triple sec. Splash of amaretto, pineapple juice and grenadine. Shake. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

To get started on the Mai Tai Shuffle, and on Mai Tai's "70th Birthday," GoLocal has comprised a list of the ten best Mai Tais in the city:

Related Slideshow: Worcester County’s Ten Best Mai Tais

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1. Dragon 88

Swing on down Route 140 to Dragon 88 in Boylston. Ask for Dave. Let him mix you up the most potent of Mai Tais.

Address: 260 Shrewsbury Street, Boylston

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2. Red Lantern

On the corner of Shrewsbury and Casco Streets, the Red Lantern is known for its excellent food. More importantly, it's known for strong Absolut Mai Tai. It's pink and it's refreshing.

Address: 235 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester

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3. Kenichi Bistro

At Kenichi Bistro, Jimmy will serve you up their famous Mai Tai with a smile. Rum or Vodka, they both taste great. While you're there, order some sushi from Kenny.

Address: 270 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester

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4. Ho Toy

Ho Toy's trademark is crushed ice in it's Mai Tai. A local favorite for college kids, Ho Toy's Mai Tai is nothing to play around with.

Address: 401 Park Avenue, Worcester

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5. Wong Dynasty

Known by Holden folk as the 'best ever,' the Wong Dynasty Mai Tai packs the place every weekend. Come for the Mai Tai, stay for the Mai Tai and excellent food.

Address: 176 Reservoir Street, Holden

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6. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant

It's a great place for a first date. Enjoy a Mai Tai while you watch their grill masters cook your dinner at the hibachi. Flip an egg even! And watch out for the little man (it's sake!).

Address: 535 Lincoln Street, Worcester

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7. Jasmine

Over the last few years, Jasmine in Auburn has become a local hit. It's a great place for a lot of guests, and even a better place for a little one-on-one with a Mai Tai at the bar.

Address: 711 Southbridge Street, Auburn