What is the first step in preparing a Jamaican Mai Tai?

The first step in preparing a Jamaican Mai Tai is to fill the mixing glass with ice. This is crucial because adding ice to the glass chills the ingredients as they mix, helping to achieve the right balance of flavors and temperature in the cocktail. Chilling the drink also ensures that it has the refreshing quality typical of tropical cocktails.

Once the mixing glass is filled with ice, the next steps would typically involve adding the specific ingredients in the appropriate order, mixing them well, and then straining the contents into a serving glass. Each step builds upon the foundation set by starting with the ice, making it an essential part of creating the cocktail properly.