Caribbean

Cuban Canchánchara Cocktail

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A chilled Cuban canchanchara cocktail with honey, lime, rum, and ice.

Canchánchara is a traditional Cuban cocktail associated with Trinidad, Cuba, combining rum, honey, lime, and water in a simple, refreshing glass.

Honey syrup dissolves evenly into the drink while lime keeps the rum bright. Crushed ice chills the cocktail quickly without making it heavy.

Warm a little water with the honey first if your honey is thick; a smooth syrup blends much more easily into the drink.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in a small rocks glass with crushed ice, a lime wheel, and a casual Cuban snack or meal.

Close-up of a Cuban canchanchara cocktail with lime, honey, and condensation.

Recipe Notes

Make honey syrup up to 1 week ahead and refrigerate it. For a lighter drink, increase the water and lime to taste.

A chilled Cuban canchanchara cocktail with honey, lime, rum, and ice.

Cuban Canchánchara

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A refreshing Cuban cocktail made with rum, honey, lime, water, and crushed ice.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 cocktails
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 210

Ingredients
 
 

Canchánchara
  • 8 oz white rum or Cuban aguardiente
  • 4 oz fresh lime juice
  • 4 oz honey syrup equal parts honey and warm water
  • 8 oz cold water
  • 2 cups crushed ice
  • 4 wheels lime for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Small saucepan
  • Jigger
  • Rocks glasses
  • Bar spoon

Method
 

Make Honey Syrup:
  1. Stir equal parts honey and warm water until smooth. Cool before using.
Shake the Cocktail:
  1. Add rum, lime juice, honey syrup, water, and a handful of ice to a shaker.
  2. Shake for 10 seconds until chilled.
Serve:
  1. Fill four rocks glasses with crushed ice. Strain the cocktail into the glasses and garnish each with a lime wheel.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 23gSodium: 5mgSugar: 21g

Notes

  • Use a flavorful but not overly aged rum so the honey and lime remain distinct.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with chilled sparkling water and add extra lime.