What is the primary ingredient in a tropical drink like a Mai-Tai?

The primary ingredient in a tropical drink like a Mai-Tai is rum. This choice is based on the traditional ingredients used in the preparation of the Mai-Tai, which prominently features rum as its base spirit. In classic cocktail recipes, rum is known for its sweet, rich flavors that pair well with tropical fruit juices, making it ideal for creating refreshing drinks that evoke a sense of a tropical paradise.

Rum is often the star of many tiki cocktails due to its origins in the Caribbean and its inherent sweetness, which complements the lime juice, orgeat syrup, and other ingredients found in a Mai-Tai. This beverage is specifically crafted to highlight the diverse flavors of rum, distinguishing it from cocktails that use other spirits like vodka, tequila, or whiskey. Each of these spirits has its unique flavor profile that does not align with the traditional criteria for a tropical drink, further emphasizing rum's critical role in this classic cocktail.