Looking for a new cocktail to try out this weekend? Want to wind down with a fresh new drink? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should drink this weekend.
The summer heat isn’t letting up anytime soon so if you’re going to go to the trouble of making yourself a cocktail it better be a refreshing one. This week, we’d recommend trying out the simple, balanced Daiquiri. Considering it’s made up of just three ingredients, we believe the daiquiri is an essential cocktail to know how to make. And, thankfully, it’s easy! Plus, it’s a classic cocktail and a perfect summer beverage.
Originally, like many beloved rum drinks, the daiquiri is said to have been invented in the late 19th century in the Caribbean – specifically Cuba. Named for the eponymous mining town of Daiquiri in southeast Cuba, this cocktail was coined by Jennings Cox. However there’s a high likelihood that versions of the cocktail existed before Cox named it a Daquiri. Eventually, the drink made its way to the US by way of a US Navy Officer and has maintained its popularity since then with folks like Ernest Hemingway singing the praises of this rum cocktail.
Since the daiquiri’s explosive success, many riffs and remixes on the classic formula have sprouted up. Of course, the frozen daiquiri, first crafted by one bartender Constantino Ribalaigua Vert nicknamed the King of Cocktails, has nearly superseded its predecessor in popularity. Like the Hemingway Daiquiri, also invented by Ribalaigua, evolved out of the classic rum drink. Now, you’ll find plenty of unique spins on the daiquiri.
Daquiri Ingredients
Rum – A classic daiquiri calls for a light rum – and, historically, a Cuban rum. With the variety of rums available, we’d recommend going with whatever light rum you happen to enjoy. Our picks would be The Real McCoy 3 Year or Plantation 3 Stars. Alternatively, you could make a dark daiquiri with dark rum. If so, we’d recommend Kasama or Ron Zacapa No. 23.
Lime Juice – As always, freshly squeeze your limes. There’s no room for store-bought lime juice.
Simple Syrup – In a classic daiquiri, we’d recommend a standard simple syrup, which you can make at home with equal parts sugar and water. For the dark daiquiri, you can switch things up with a demerara syrup, which you can also make at home. If you’re looking for a pre-made simple syrup, we’d recommend Daysie Madagascar Vanilla, which will heighten the vanilla notes in your rum.
Daquiri Recipe
- Combine 2 ounces of rum, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup in a cocktail shaker over ice.
- Shake until well chilled, 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!
