National Rum Day Celebration: Discover the Legendary 1944 Mai Tai at The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island
A Spirited Tradition Worth Toasting
Every year on August 16th, rum lovers from across the country raise a glass in celebration of National Rum Day—a joyous occasion that pays tribute to one of the world’s oldest and most flavorful spirits. And if you’re lucky enough to be on Anna Maria Island for the festivities, there’s no better place to indulge in world-class rum cocktails than The Waterfront Restaurant.
This year, we’re spotlighting a true classic: the 1944 Mai Tai. Crafted exactly as it was intended—bold, balanced, and refreshingly timeless—our version at The Waterfront is a sip of history in every glass.
The Legendary 1944 Mai Tai: A Tropical Time Machine
Described by some as the “king of tiki cocktails,” the Mai Tai first made its debut in 1944, courtesy of Victor J. “Trader Vic” Bergeron. Created in Oakland, California, it was originally designed to showcase the smooth and complex flavors of premium-aged rum—not to be drowned out by sugary fruit juices as some modern versions do.
Our take on this time-honored classic stays true to the original recipe and is crafted with precision and care. Here’s what you’ll find in every glass:
- Dark Rum
- Light Rum
- Orange Curaçao
- Orgeat Syrup (a sweet almond syrup with a hint of orange blossom)
- Fresh Lime Juice
Served over crushed ice and garnished with a mint sprig and lime wheel, our 1944 Mai Tai is a balanced blend of sweet, tart, and boozy brilliance. It’s not just a drink—it’s an experience.
Why National Rum Day Matters
While it may sound like just another “fun holiday,” National Rum Day actually highlights centuries of cultural, economic, and culinary significance. Rum was once the lifeblood of maritime trade routes, a currency of sorts in the Caribbean, and even a favorite of the Founding Fathers.
Today, it’s making a well-deserved comeback—especially in the craft cocktail scene. Americans are rediscovering rum not only in nostalgic tiki drinks but also in refined sippers and bold cocktail creations. The U.S. rum market is steadily growing, with high-end, aged varieties leading the way.
Rum Renaissance: Why It’s Trending
According to Forbes, premium rum sales are up, and bartenders across the nation are treating the spirit with newfound respect. No longer pigeonholed as a mixer for sugary beach drinks, today’s rums are nuanced, aged, and often compared to fine whiskeys. This resurgence means more people are discovering what we’ve always known at The Waterfront Restaurant—great rum deserves great presentation.
Other Rum Favorites at The Waterfront Restaurant
While the 1944 Mai Tai may be the crown jewel of our rum menu, we’ve curated an entire list of tropical temptations to suit every palate:
- Waterfront Mojito – Crisp, cool, and loaded with muddled mint and fresh lime, paired with white rum and a touch of simple syrup.
- Pineapple Rum Punch – A vacation in a glass with tropical fruit juices, spiced rum, and a splash of grenadine.
- Classic Dark ‘n Stormy – Ginger beer and dark rum come together in a refreshingly spicy sip that’s both simple and sophisticated.
- Rum Runner – Our island-style take with banana and blackberry liqueur, orange juice, and a generous pour of rum.
Every cocktail is made to order by our expert bartenders using top-shelf ingredients and garnished to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a single standout cocktail or a flight of Caribbean-inspired creations, we’ve got your National Rum Day celebration covered.
Pair Your Rum with Paradise
Drinks this good deserve food to match. Our menu offers delicious pairings that highlight the boldness of our rum offerings. A few suggested pairings include:
- Grouper Tacos – Light, flaky fish with citrus slaw pairs perfectly with a zesty Mojito or Pineapple Rum Punch.
- Shrimp & Grits – This Southern comfort classic finds balance with a bold Dark ‘n Stormy.
- House Cold Smoked Salmon – The richness of smoked fish pairs surprisingly well with the almond notes in the 1944 Mai Tai.
Explore the full menu and discover your perfect match!
Celebrate with Us on Anna Maria Island
Located just steps from the shimmering waters of Tampa Bay, The Waterfront Restaurant is the perfect setting for a celebration. Whether you’re here for National Rum Day or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy an expertly made cocktail, our open-air seating, historic charm, and island views make every visit unforgettable.
Want to make it a special night? Book a sunset reservation and sip your 1944 Mai Tai while watching the sky turn shades of tangerine and gold. You might even catch a glimpse of dolphins passing by.
Pro Tip: Come Early for the Best Views
While we do our best to accommodate walk-ins, reservations are recommended—especially on special days like this. Rum fans tend to show up thirsty!
From Sugarcane to Sunset: The Journey of Rum
Rum’s history is rich, complex, and as colorful as the islands it hails from. Originating in the Caribbean during the 17th century, rum was first distilled by enslaved laborers who discovered that molasses—leftover from refining sugarcane—could be fermented into alcohol. Soon, it became a staple of sailors, pirates, and colonists alike.
By the 1800s, rum had reached American shores in full force. And while Prohibition temporarily dimmed its popularity, tiki culture in the mid-20th century helped bring it back with a bang. Thanks to cocktails like the Mai Tai, Zombie, and Hurricane, rum became synonymous with escapism and island life.
Today, that legacy lives on—especially at places like The Waterfront Restaurant where heritage meets handcrafted excellence.
Raise a Glass This National Rum Day
So whether you’re a longtime lover of this storied spirit or a curious newcomer ready to explore its depths, National Rum Day is the perfect excuse to sip something truly special. And there’s no better way to do that than with a perfectly balanced 1944 Mai Tai—crafted the way it was meant to be—right here on Anna Maria Island.
Join us at The Waterfront Restaurant and let the rum run free!
Learn More & Plan Your Visit
- The Waterfront Restaurant – Official Website
- Mai Tai Recipe & History – The Spruce Eats
- Top Rums of 2023 – Forbes
Address: 111 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Phone: (941) 778-1515
Conclusion: Cheers to Rum, History, and Island Time
At The Waterfront Restaurant, we don’t just make drinks—we make memories. Come celebrate National Rum Day with us and discover why our 1944 Mai Tai is the toast of the island. Because when it comes to sipping history, there’s no better seat than a waterfront view.
