Mai Tai

A Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail typically made with rum (light and dark), lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and often simple syrup or fruit juice. For people with gout, this drink is problematic for several reasons. Alcohol, especially in the form of rum, can increase uric acid production and decrease its excretion by the kidneys, leading to higher blood uric acid levels and a greater likelihood of a gout flare. The high sugar content from syrups and juices can also raise uric acid levels, as fructose metabolism promotes purine breakdown. While moderate consumption of alcohol is often discouraged, the combination of alcohol and high sugar in a Mai Tai makes it a particularly risky choice for gout sufferers.