Meet your new favorite drink ... the classic Daiquiri cocktail!
This traditional recipe is super delicious and refreshing. Best of all, it only requires three simple ingredients and a few minutes to make!
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This simple, yet elegant drink is bright and refreshing with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Just one sip, and you're sure to want another.
If you've only ever had the blended version of this popular drink, this isn't the girly drink you may be expecting. The standard recipe is made with three simple ingredients, and it's actually fairly potent ... though it definitely goes down easily, I promise!
Ready to try this classic for yourself? Then, keep reading for all the details!
History of the Drink
The Daiquiri is truly a classic cocktail! Fans of the popular drink are numerous, including Ernest Hemingway (who has his own version), and even John F. Kennedy (who supposedly drank one after beating Nixon in 1960).
It was invented in the late 1800s by Jennings Cox, an American mining engineer, while he was working in the iron mines of Daiquirí, Cuba. The story goes that he ran out of gin to serve his guests, so he served them a drink made with rum, lime, and sugar instead. It was a hit.
Of course, Cuba is known for its rum, so it's entirely possible that Jennings merely served his guests a local specialty drink. Jennings is typically credited though, and you can even view an actual recipe card signed by him in 1896. Pretty cool, right?
The cocktail was brought to the U.S. in 1909 by a U.S. Admiral, who then introduced it at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, DC. From there, it became more and more popular, especially once Americans developed a taste for tropical drinks in the 1940s.
Ingredients
My favorite thing about this classic cocktail? It couldn't be easier to make! And you only need three ingredients:
- White Rum
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Simple Syrup (or Superfine Sugar)
Pretty basic for such a delicious drink, right? But of course, simple ingredients means that you need to use high quality ones.
What kind of rum goes in a Daiquiri?
Daiquiris are made with white rum. I used Bacardí Superior White Rum (Carta Blanca). It's the classic choice, plus it's very easy to find and affordable. Other high-quality white rums work fine though, so feel free to substitute your fave. Avoid dark, spiced, and flavored rums for this drink.
You'll Also Need
Because this drink contains citrus juice, it's prepared by shaking the ingredients together. So you will need a cocktail shaker (with a built-in or separate strainer), as well as a jigger to measure the ingredients.
What type of glass do you need for a Daiquiri?
A classic Daiquiri is served straight up, with no ice, in a coupe or martini glass. I used these affordable coupe glasses, which are a fixture in my bar cabinet ... they're the perfect size, and fun to drink out of, too!
Tip: Looking for more martini or coupe glass recipes? Try this classic French Martini next!
How to Make a Classic Daiquiri from Scratch
This refreshing cocktail couldn't be simpler to prepare, so let's get started!
If you don't already have a batch of simple syrup ready to go, make that first. This sugar-water combo is a must for this cocktail (and many others), and you only only need a few minutes (plus cooling time) to make it.
Check out my quick and easy simple syrup recipe for detailed step-by-step instructions.
Mixing the Cocktail
To make the drink, fill your cocktail shaker about half full with ice. To that, add two ounces white rum, one ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice, and one-half ounce simple syrup.
Don't have simple syrup on hand? You may substitute two level bar spoons of superfine sugar. In fact, this is the traditional way of making one.
Close the shaker tightly, then shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will chill and dilute the ingredients properly. If your hands gets too cold, wrap the shaker in a kitchen towel.
Tip: Cocktail shakers are notorious for leaking. To create tight seal, press the cap and lid onto the tumbler tightly, then give them a slight twist.
Once you've shaken the drink, strain it into a coupe glass. Because there is no ice in the finished cocktail, you'll want to serve it immediately, and drink it before it warms up.
Trust me, that won't be a problem ... this delightful drink goes down easily!
Tip: This cocktail must be served freshly made, and only one (or two) drinks should be prepared at a time. However, you can save a little time at parties by pre-squeezing the limes. Store the fresh juice in a squeeze bottle.
Garnishing the Cocktail
There are a few ways to garnish a Daiquiri cocktail. I like to float a thin slice of lime on top ... it makes a simple and elegant finishing touch.
You could also garnish the glass with a slice of lime perched on the rim, or add a lime twist. Whatever garnish you choose, keep it classic.
Customizing the Cocktail to Your Taste
Once you've mastered the basic recipe, you'll find that it's very easy to customize this drink:
- Tartness: Add more / less lime juice.
- Sweetness: Add more / less simple syrup.
- Different Rum: Experiment with other white rums to find your favorite!
Related Recipes
Looking for more rum cocktails? Try one of these drinks next:
Daiquiri
Ingredients
- 2 ounces BACARDÍ Superior White Rum, or other white rum
- 1 ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- lime slice or twist, for garnish
Equipment
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker ½ full with ice. Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Seal shaker, then shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a slice of lime or a lime twist.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
