Val's Mai Tai #recipe by @LeslieKarst

 

As you know if you read my Author Spotlight here in the Kitchen last Sunday, I’m thrilled that the first book in my new Orchid Isle mystery series, Molten Death, releases next Tuesday, on April 2. So to celebrate, what could be better than shaking up a fun and festive tropical drink—the delicious Mai Tai! (This recipe—as well as many others—appears in the new book.)

Many Mai Tais one gets in bars these days are sickeningly sweet, as they’re made with cheap dark rum and canned orange and pineapple juice, heavy on the high fructose corn syrup. But the original recipes for the cocktail back in the 1940s were far less cloying, using quality high-proof rums from Jamaica and Martinique, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and nary a can of pineapple juice in sight. (The name supposedly derives from the Tahitian phrase, “maita‘i roa a‘e,” which loosely translates as “terrific!” or “best of all!”)

Valerie is the protagonist of Molten Death, and her version is inspired by the original Trader Vic’s recipe for a Mai Tai, but employs Amaretto liqueur instead of Orgeat syrup, and includes a splash of soda water because, you know...fizz! 

 

 

Val’s Mai Tai

(makes one cocktail)

Ingredients

6-8 ice cubes

2 oz. Myer’s or similar dark rum

½ oz. (1 tablespoon) orange Curaçao or triple sec

2 teaspoons Amaretto liqueur

½ oz. (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons simple syrup (2:1 water dissolved in sugar)

1 oz. soda water

1 lime slice, for garnish

 

Directions

Place the ice in a metal cocktail shaker, add the rum, Curaçao, Amaretto, lime juice, and simple syrup and shake vigorously until well chilled, then pour everything (including the ice) into an Old Fashioned glass. Top with a splash of soda water and garnish with the lime slice. 

 

 

🌱  🍹  🌿

 

 

Coming April 2!

MOLTEN DEATH

Orchid Isle Mystery, book 1

available for pre-order here!

 

“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”

Booklist

 

This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly. 

 

Advance praise for MOLTEN DEATH:

“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”

--New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay

“a terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”

--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie

 

 

A SENSE FOR MURDER

has been short-listed for the Lefty Award

for Best Humorous Mystery!

This newest Sally Solari mystery

is available for purchase here !

 

Praise for A SENSE FOR MURDER:

 

“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”

 --Publishers Weekly

 

“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”

--Kirkus Reviews

Also now available:

Justice is Served:  A Tale of Scallops,

the Law, and Cooking for RBG

(available for purchase here)

 

"a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the 'perfect' meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court." 

 

-Foreword Reviews (starred review)

 

"[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more."

-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine-

All of the Sally Solari Mysteries are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.