This recipe for a classic Daiquiri is just that – a classic! It’s a simple, clean, and refreshing original recipe, just as it was meant to b,e with no unnecessary bells and whistles. This perfect summer cocktail features white rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and just the right amount of sweet simple syrup.
Warm months are all about the rum, so check out our rum cocktails! There are so many to choose from, from simple Mojito to a fun Blue Hawaii.
Daiquiri
A well made classic Daiquiri should be simply made with just 3 essential ingredients. It should offer a smooth, perfect balance of both sweet and sour flavors from the fresh lime juice and simple syrup. While the strawberry Daiquiri has become the more popular version of this drink, in my opinion… You just can’t beat the original!
When I do go out these days, I typically like to order drinks that are on the less sweet side. However, when I order a Daiquiri at a bar or restaurant, I end up getting something fruity or way too sweet. That’s why I’ve been making these cocktails in the comfort of my own kitchen! They’re perfect for shaking up when I want a simple and easy drink.
When it’s hot outside, it’s only natural to crave something refreshing. While I do occasionally enjoy a fruitier cocktail like a sweet Pina Colada, those are special occasions and more of a dessert. A Daiquiri, however, is perfect for slowly sipping to help beat the summertime heat. It’s cool, refreshing, and has both naturally tart and slightly sweet flavors. It’s the best of both worlds!
Origins of the Daiquiri
This is the original Daiquiri, not the blended fruity cocktail that many have come to associate with the name. The original cocktail was created in the small mining town of Daiquiri, Cuba in the late 1890’s.
This simple, fresh cocktail consists of only three ingredients: white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. It’s believe to have been created as a medicinal treatment for yellow fever, but became a popular cocktail decades later.
Ernest Hemingway fell in love with this cocktail while visiting Cuba, and it quickly became the drink of his choice. Although, it’s rumored that the famed writer preferred his Daiquiri to be made with double the rum! Once the cocktail made its way to the states, there was not stopping it. It was even the preferred cocktail of JFK!
How to Make a Daiquiri
Ingredients You Need:
- White Rum – Since this simple cocktail only calls for three ingredients, choose a rum that you like the taste of.
- Lime Juice – Only use freshly squeezed lime juice, not the bottled alternative.
- Simple Syrup – To make your own simple syrup, all you need to do is combine 1 cup of white granulated sugar with 1 cup of hot water. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. That’s it!
- Lime Wedge – This will be used to garnish your cocktail. Garnishes are always optional, of course, but this lime wedge adds not only to the appearance of the beverage, but also to the aromatic experience.
- Ice –
Directions:
Chill the glass.
Go ahead, treat yourself to a little luxury! A chilled glass is the best way to enjoy a Daiquiri. Fill a martini glass with ice and add water to the rim. Let it sit while you prepare the cocktail, and it’ll be perfectly chilled by the time you’re ready to pour!
Shake.
Pour the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for approximately 15-20 seconds.
Pour and enjoy!
Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass. Garnish it with a lime wedge, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is a Daiquiri?
This cocktail can be as strong as you make it. Normally, white rum can range from 40 proof to 80 proof on average, but there are rums that go beyond that. (With that in mind, 151 is illegal in many states now, and not a white rum.)
When it comes to choosing your rum, you can control how strong it is, but make sure you choose one that you also like the taste of. This is, after all, a simple cocktail and the rum flavor will shine through.
Tips for the Best Daiquiri:
There are only a couple simple rules to remember.
- Use a good quality rum! You should like the way it tastes.
- Make sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Preferably, use homemade simple syrup, too. Simple syrup is a combination of equal parts of white granulated sugar and hot water mixed together until smooth.
- There needs to be a good balance between sour and sweet. Personal taste does come into play here, so if you feel like my recipe is a little too sour for you, add another 1/4 oz of simple syrup. And, vise versa.
Daiquiri Recipe
Daiquiri
Ingredients
- 2 oz light (white) rum
- 3/4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- lime wedge for garnish
- ice to shake
Instructions
- To chill the glass: fill a martini glass with ice and add water to the rim. Let it sit while you prepare the cocktail.
- Combine rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktial shake with some ice. Vigorously shake for 15-20 seconds.
- Discard water and ice from the glass.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass and garnish with a wedge of lime.
April says
I have never had a plan daiquiri it was really good.