The classic Cuban daiquiri is a clean, bright cocktail built from white rum, fresh lime, and a little sugar. Its simplicity makes balance especially important.
Use freshly squeezed lime and plenty of ice. Shake hard so the drink becomes cold and lightly frothy before straining it into a chilled coupe.
Taste the simple syrup and lime before shaking; very tart limes may need a few extra drops of syrup for a balanced finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a pre-dinner drink with salted nuts, plantain chips, or citrus-marinated shrimp. For a zero-proof option, replace the rum with chilled soda water.
Recipe Notes
Make simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water, then cool completely. The cocktail is best made one at a time and served immediately.
Classic Cuban Daiquiri
A crisp Cuban cocktail of white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup shaken until cold and lightly frothy.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Shake:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds, until the shaker is frosty and the drink is well chilled.
Strain and serve:
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass for a smooth, lightly frothy surface.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled juice.
- Adjust the syrup slightly depending on the tartness of the limes.
- Serve responsibly; for a zero-proof version use soda water instead of rum.
