The Bitter Mai Tai is one of the cornerstone drinks invented by noted barman Jeremy Oertel, and for good reason! The addition of bitterness in the form of Campari – a bitter citrus apéritif – is just what the old classic needed. It’s difficult to riff on an already near-perfect cocktail – but if you’re a bitter fiend and a lover of tropical cocktails, this one’s for you.
The aged or dark rum you should be intense and funky; Oertel calls for Smith & Cross. It needs to be assertive in order to stand up to Campari or a similarly-bitter digestive. Aperol is too sweet and light, and won’t cut it here.
