Classic Daiquiri Cocktail Recipe (Shaken)

The Daiquiri is a sour cocktail made with white rum, lime juice and sugar syrup, a simple and exotic Caribbean drink, perfect to sip during a homemade brunch together with a bowl of olives and other savory appetizers, or to bring to the table for an after dinner drink with friends.

To prepare it you just need to fill a shaker with ice cubes, then add the rest of the ingredients indicated and then shake everything well for about 15 seconds. Once ready, all you have to do is pour the Daquiri into individual cups and finally serve it with a slice of lime as a garnish: for an aromatic and pleasantly fresh result on the palate.

What is a Classic Daiquiri? History and Origins

The history of this famous drink is rather uncertain: legend has it that in 1898, during the war between Spain and the United States, an American sailor landed in Daiquiri, a small village near Santiago de Cuba, today called Playa Daiquiri. After entering a shack that offered drinks by the glass, the young man refused to drink the rum straight and asked to dilute it with lemon juice and sugar: and that was how the iconic cocktail that we all know today was born.

Another reconstruction, however, has its origins in 1905, when some American engineers, busy working in a mine and wanting to drink something refreshing at the end of the day, decided to mix together rum, lime and sugar. Initially called rum sour, the cocktail only later took the name Daquiri.

Beyond the various legends, there is a curiosity that has made the Daiquiri famous: the cocktail, mentioned in many American films, was one of Ernest Hemingway ‘s favorite drinks together with the Cuban mojito, also much appreciated by Fidel Castro.

Pro Tips for The Best Daiquiri

• Always opt for freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled juice. Fresh lime gives the cocktail a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Choose a good-quality white rum. The rum is the base of the cocktail, so using a premium brand will elevate the flavor and smoothness of your daiquiri.
• Adjust the sugar syrup to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter daiquiri, add a little more simple syrup, but be careful not to overpower the refreshing lime flavor.
• Crushed ice can dilute your cocktail too quickly. Instead, use large ice cubes when shaking your daiquiri to ensure proper dilution and a well-chilled drink without losing flavor.
• Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to fully combine the rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup. This will give your daiquiri the perfect texture and smoothness.
• Before pouring your daiquiri, chill your glass by filling it with ice water and letting it sit for a minute. A cold glass helps keep the cocktail at the ideal temperature.

How Strong is a Daiquiri?

A classic daiquiri is typically moderate in strength, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 15-20%. This can vary depending on the amount of rum and other ingredients used, but it's generally considered a refreshing, light-to-medium cocktail, not overly strong but still offering a noticeable kick from the rum.

Is a Daiquiri Just a Margarita With Rum?

While both the daiquiri and margarita share similarities, they are not the same. A daiquiri is made with rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup, while a margarita uses tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (like triple sec or Cointreau). The key difference is the type of spirit and the addition of orange liqueur in the margarita, which gives it a distinct flavor profile compared to the simpler, rum-based daiquiri.

Daiquiri Variations

Here are some of the main daiquiri variations:

• Strawberry Daiquiri: A popular variation made by blending fresh strawberries with the classic daiquiri ingredients (rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup). It’s a fruity and refreshing twist on the original.
• Frozen Daiquiri: Instead of shaking the ingredients with ice, this version blends the daiquiri ingredients with ice to create a slushy, frozen texture. Perfect for hot weather.
• Hemingway Daiquiri: Named after Ernest Hemingway, this variation includes rum, lime juice, maraschino liqueur, and grapefruit juice. It’s a slightly more tart and complex version of the classic daiquiri.
• Piña Colada Daiquiri: A tropical fusion that adds coconut cream and pineapple juice to the classic daiquiri, creating a creamy, sweet cocktail reminiscent of a piña colada.
• Mango Daiquiri: A fruity variation that incorporates fresh or pureed mango, adding a rich, tropical flavor to the daiquiri.
• Banana Daiquiri: This variation blends ripe banana with the classic ingredients for a smooth, creamy cocktail with a sweet and fruity flavor.

Can I Flavor My Daiquiri in Any Way?

Yes, you can flavor a daiquiri in many ways by adding various fruits, syrups, or liqueurs. Popular flavorings include berries, mango, pineapple, coconut, and even herbs like mint. You can also experiment with flavored liqueurs or citrus juices, such as grapefruit or blood orange, to create a unique twist on the classic daiquiri. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize the cocktail to your taste!

Can Daiquiri Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, a daiquiri can be made ahead of time, but it's best to prepare the ingredients (rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup) in advance and store them in the fridge. However, it's recommended to shake and serve the cocktail fresh with ice right before drinking to maintain the ideal texture and flavor.

How to Store Daiquiri

To store a daiquiri, keep the prepared mixture (without ice) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, shake the mixture with ice to chill and dilute it. Avoid storing the cocktail with ice, as it will melt and dilute the drink.

How to Make Daiquiri

First, fill a shaker with ice cubes.

Add the white rum.

Then the sugar syrup.

Finish with the filtered lime juice.

Shake the shaker for about 15 seconds: be careful not to shake it too long to avoid the ice melting.

Then pour the Daiquiri into the appropriate cocktail glasses.

Garnish with a slice of lime.

Enjoy!