Just got back from a well needed vacation and my first day back at work was a drag. Not that that was a surprise, having to go to work is always a drag. As I was leaving the office a buddy tested me to see if I was going sailing this afternoon. I couldn't think of a reason not to so I told him to meet me on the boat and off we went.
Now despite what everyone seems to think, a Mai Tai like most named cocktails has a specific recipe that allows very little variation. Lime juice, orgeat, orange liqueur, and aged Jamaican rum. Try different rums, float some 151 for a nice color and booze kick, but please don't use any juice other lime and call it a Mai Tai!
Don't get me wrong, I love those concoctions with pineapple juice, orange juice, banana liqueur, or cherry syrup. In fact I'll drink 'em all day long (and I have recently back in Hawaii).
When I want a real one, though, I have to make it myself. I make great ones, too, since it's tied with the mojito as my favorite cocktail.
Anyway, a few weeks ago I've discovered that Bali Hai does a pretty decent one, as well as a whole assortment of other tiki delights served in actual tiki mugs. Fucking love it.
Since they're right on the bay front and have a guest dock, pulling in for a sunset Mai Tai or two was a no-brainer once we got a whiff (possibly all in my head) of the rum coming from the bar. Oh yeah, this place probably has the best bay view in San Diego, too.