Aloha,

Last night we tried Stir Crazy for the first time. Since they had a Mai Tai on the menu I had to give it a try.  I was a little hesitant after the Red Robin Mai Tai to try another chain restaurant mai tai, but I owe it to you, my loyal readers, to review mai tais. I don’t want you to suffer through a mediocre chain restaurant mai tai.  

The menu described the mai tai as, “our signature blend of three Cruzan Rums (Estate Dark, Black Strap, and Coconut) and fresh tropical juices.”  I was excited to see that they use Cruzan rum!  Who knows what was in the Red Robin Mai Tai. The Stir Crazy mai tai came in a glass that slightly resembeled bamboo, and it was garnished with a pineapple wedge and cherries.  No lips or hair in this one.

With my first sip I could taste coconut from the coconut rum, pineapple juice, and some orange juice.  The coconut was a fun twist to a chain resturant mai tai.  There was also a slight hint of lime juice.  

I don’t think the estate dark or black strap rums were actually used in the cocktail.  There wasn’t any molasses or oaky flavors that would normally come with those darker rums.  Also, the color of the drink didn’t suggest those rums were in there.   I’m guessing  a white rum was used instead, because the coconut flavor wasn’t strong enough for that to be the only rum.  The dark rums were probably too much for the average customer.

Overall, the Stir Crazy mai tai wasn’t bad.  It was a little sweet, and, unlike many of the classic tiki cocktails, had a simple flavor.  However, it was decent enough to have a second.  I wouldn’t go to Stir Crazy for their mai tai, but if you are there give it a try.  Let me know what you think.

Mahalo!

Damon

PS Try the chicken satay! YUM!