Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a classic shaken cocktail made with just three ingredients – light rum, fresh lime juice and simple syrup.

It belongs to the Sours family and follows the classic formula for a Sour: two parts spirit, one part sweetener, and one part sour. Easy to make, easy to wow.

Fresh and zesty, tart yet sweet, the Daiquiri is truly the perfect drink for any occasion, rain or shine.

Michael Bergström, Drink Expert from Bartenders’ Choice Awards, explains the history of the beloved Daiquiri:

The Holy Trinity of Cuba – Rum, Lime, and Sugar – has long been a favorite go-to for craft bartenders. However, many people often expect the Daiquiri to be a red cocktail, specifically a frozen Strawberry Daiquiri. For a while, this version seemed to be considered the true Daiquiri.

The original recipe, however, has always called for three very common ingredients found in Cuba and was originally served shaken straight up. When blenders were introduced to Cuba’s famous bars in the 1930s, the frozen version became common practice. These days, you can hear the ever-humming sound of multiple blenders spinning all throughout Cuba.

The Daiquiri’s origins can be traced back to an American mining engineer based outside Santiago on Cuba’s south coast, who invented the drink after the Spanish-American War.

According to his granddaughter, who passed on the tale, the mining engineer had run out of Gin for his Martinis and was expecting guests from the U.S. one afternoon. He wasn’t keen on serving Rum straight, so he squeezed some Lime and added a few teaspoons of Sugar into a shaker, shook up a round, and passed them out. Over time, it became so popular that it eventually adopted the name of the town where it was invented – Daiquiri.

• Making it to your liking
  Rico admits he prefers his Daiquiris on the sour side, and I have to say, I agree 100%. Adjust the drink to your personal preference, add a bit more Lime Juice, use less Simple Syrup, or vice versa.
• Pre-chill your glasses
  Since this cocktail isn’t served over Ice, the frosty glass is what’s going to keep your drink cold. Prepare your glasses by placing them in the freezer for 30 minutes to 2 hours beforehand.

There are as many different versions of a Daiquiri as there are stories from a night in Havana. Here are some of our favorites:

• Frozen Daiquiri
  If you prefer your Daiquiri frozen and want to do like they do in Cuba, simply add all ingredients above into a Blender together with Ice. Blend until smooth and add more Ice gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Here’s how to make a classic Frozen Daiquiri.
• Strawberry Daiquiri
  Every bit as iconic as the classic Daiquiri, the Strawberry Daiquiri is a true crowd-pleaser that rivals the original in popularity. 
  
  To make a Strawberry Daiquiri, start by muddling Fresh Strawberries in your Shaker, then add Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, Light Rum, and Simple Syrup. A classic inspired by another classic, discover the recipe for a Strawberry Daiquiri.
• Virgin Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
  The Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri is a non-alcoholic twist on the classic Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri. This Cuban delight blends Crushed Ice, tangy Lime Juice, a touch of Simple Syrup, together with the star of the show – Strawberries. 
  
  Fresh, fruity and oh-so-delicious, learn how to make a Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri.
• Frozen Mango and Mint Spiced Daiquiri
  Fruit, spice and all things nice, the Frozen Mango and Mint Spiced Daiquiri swaps Light Rum for Spiced Rum and mixes Mango Purée, Fresh Mint, and Fresh Pressed Lime. 
  
  Yes, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds. Wow your friends and yourself – get the recipe for a Frozen Mango and Mint Spiced Daiquiri.
• Melon Daiquiri
  Daiquiris work so well with fruit, and this delicious variation adds Melon Liqueur to the classic recipe, garnished with Honeydew Melon. The Melon Daiquiri boasts flavors of Lime, Melon and Light Rum – and it’s deliciously on point. Here’s how to make a Melon Daiquiri.
• Royal Daiquiri
  Fancy your Daiquiri a bit more fancy? Then, the Royal Daiquiri might just be what you’re looking for. It mixes Light Rum, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice instead of Lime Juice, then adds the distinct sweetness and floral notes of Violet Liqueur for a unique and luxurious twist on the Daiquiri. Discover the recipe for a Royal Daiquiri.
• Fruit Tree Daiquiri
  Here’s another unique version of a Daiquiri. The Fruit Tree Daiquiri mixes Light Rum, Apricot Brandy, Grape Juice, Lime Juice, and…wait for it… Maraschino Liqueur! It’s a Daiquiri like you’ve never had before. Discover how to make a Fruit Tree Daiquiri.

We recommend serving the Daiquiri in a chilled Coupe Glass, garnished with a Lime Wheel. Simple yet perfect.

Michael Bergström, Drinks Expert from Bartenders’ Choice Awards, explains:

A Daiquiri is essentially a Rum Sour where fresh Lime Juice makes up the “sour” part. 

Alongside its compatriots, the equally famous Mojito and Cuba Libre, the Daiquiri is undeniably a Cuban drink. Like many other drinks such as the Margarita, Old Fashioned, Martini, Piña Colada, and Espresso Martini, the Daiquiri is subject to many variations and twists. 

The Daiquiri comes in many flavors and expressions, but the core anatomy of the drink, Rum + Sweet + Sour, remains unchanged.

“It’s very simple: a good Cuban or Spanish-style Light Rum, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, and either Fine Sugar or Simple Syrup. Whichever you prefer,” says Michael Bergström.

“Yes, it is. In many cases, the heritage and creators of drinks are debatable, but historians agree that the Daiquiri is clearly from Cuba. More specifically, it is connected to a mining engineer who invented it and simply named it after the company and village where he was based in the late 19th century,” explains Michael Bergström.

“No, but if you compare the recipes of both drinks, you’ll find them very similar in terms of measurements, technique, glassware, and the fact that they are both defined as Sours,” answers Michael Bergström.

It’s easy! Check out our article where we show you how to make Simple Syrup.