Daiquiri
ABV 20% / 2.4 alcoholic units
Primary spirit: Rum
A Brief History of the Daiquiri
The Daiquiri's origins trace back to the early 20th century in Cuba, where it was crafted by American engineer Jennings Cox during his time in the mining town of Daiquirí. The original concoction was quite basic, featuring just three ingredients: lime juice, sugar, and white rum. Its popularity grew, and over the years, it evolved into a classic cocktail celebrated worldwide.
Taste and Flavour Profile
A Daiquiri is the embodiment of balance, boasting a simple yet harmonious blend of flavours. The prominent citrusy punch of freshly squeezed lime juice brings a zesty, tart, and refreshing quality to the cocktail. The simple syrup counters the lime's acidity adding a delicate sweetness, and the white or light rum provides the spirituous base, adding a subtle warmth and complexity without overwhelming the citrus and sweetness.
The result is a cocktail that's tangy, sweet, and effortlessly refreshing—a perfect choice for those who appreciate the beauty of simplicity in their drinks.
Food Pairing
The Daiquiri's clean and refreshing qualities make it a versatile companion to a variety of dishes:
- Seafood: The Daiquiri's citrusy notes pair beautifully with seafood dishes, such as ceviche, shrimp cocktails, or grilled fish.
- Light Salads: Enjoy your Daiquiri with fresh and vibrant salads, like a classic Caesar salad or a citrusy avocado salad.
- Spicy Cuisine: The cocktail's tart sweetness is an excellent foil for spicy foods. Try it with spicy Mexican, Thai, or Indian dishes.
- Fruit Desserts: Sip a Daiquiri alongside fruit-based desserts like key lime pie, lemon bars, or sorbets for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Difficulty rating - Easy
Using inexpensive white rum will pester the sweet and sour balance. Look for a rum that has 40% ABV with flavours of caramel sweetness and tropical fruit.
Bar Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Hawthorne strainer
- Cocktail sieve
- Coupe glass
Ingredients
- 60ml light rum
- 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 20ml Demerara syrup*
- Garnish: lime twist
Method
- Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and double strain into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with a lime twist
*Demerara syrup - 1 part Demerara sugar to one part water. Gently heat in a pan until sugar has dissolved and allow to cool
What's the best Rum for a Daiquiri?
The best rum for a Daiquiri depends on personal preferences, as different rums bring distinct flavours to the cocktail. Traditionally, white or light rum is commonly used in Daiquiris for its clean and crisp profile, allowing the citrus and sweetness to shine. Here are some recommended rums for a classic Daiquiri:
- Havana Club 3-Year-Old: This Cuban rum is a popular choice for Daiquiris. It has a light and slightly sweet profile with hints of vanilla and citrus, contributing to a well-balanced cocktail.
- Bacardi Superior (Carta Blanca): A classic white rum, Bacardi Superior is known for its clean and neutral flavor. It lets the lime and simple syrup flavors come forward in the Daiquiri.
- Plantation 3 Stars: A blend of rums from Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad, Plantation 3 Stars is a versatile white rum. It brings a combination of tropical fruit, vanilla, and a hint of spice to the Daiquiri.
- Duppy Share White Rum: Our personal favourite is a Jamaican pot still rum with bright banana, mango and green thyme aromas. As you taste, smooth caramel sweetness and lively tropical fruits give way to pimento spice and a lively pot still rum finish, that is perfectly balanced for Daiquiri cocktails.
Experimenting with different white rums allows you to find the one that suits your taste preferences for a Daiquiri. Whether you prefer a clean and neutral rum or one with subtle complexities, the key is to choose a rum that complements the lime and sweetness in a way that you find enjoyable.
