Orgeat Syrup (pronounced ohr-zat) is a key ingredient in a number of tropical drinks.   So what is Orgeat Syrup you ask?  It is mostly almonds and sugar in a delicious syrupy form.  The Mai Tai is not a Mai Tai without orgeat syrup.  The problem is where do you buy the stuff?  I found it once at a local liquor shop.  I bought their entire stock of two bottles and they no longer carry it.  Fortunately, there is the internet. Trader Vic’s carries their own brand of orgeat syrup and it is priced at a reasonable $5.00. If you are planning on making a Mai Tai you should pick up a bottle.

Tiki Oasis 7 is taking place 8/17-8/19 in San Diego.  Mr. Mai Tai and thetikioasis.com are in no way affiliated with Tiki Oasis 7 but it looks like a blast.  I would love to go to this but I am on the wrong coast. Beachbum Berry, Sven Kirsten and Bosko are all on the schedule of afternoon symposiums. If you are going to attend a tiki event there are two that immediately come to mind. Tiki Oasis and Hukilau. The Hukilau was earlier this year but there is still time to make it to Tiki Oasis 7.  If you are in the area and don’t have anything to do I highly suggest putting on your best aloha shirt, dust off the old fez and head to Tiki Oasis 7 and have a Mai Tai for me.