It’s Daiquiri Day and as a result we thought it only prudent to say a few words on this fine, classic cocktail. Long has the image of the daiquiri been abused, often still thought of as an over-sugary beachside slushy, a true daiquiri is right up there with the martini and the margarita and just as simple. You don’t need a blender and you certainly don’t need any cocktail umbrellas!
The daiquiri we know today traces back to Cuba and the year 1898. It has stuck around the island as an extremely popular drink. Order a daiquiri in Havana today and you’re likely to have a cocktail somewhere between what we know as the Hemingway (with the addition of grapefruit and maraschino liqueur) and a classic.
As with any simple cocktail, details are key, here are the ingredients you need:
Ingredients
- 40ml of high-quality white rum,
- 8-10ml of sugar syrup (depending on how sweet you like it)
- 20ml of fresh lime juice
A perfect daiquiri is tart and refreshing and perks you up instantly, elegant in its balance, slightly dangerous in its drinkability.Although since it’s such a simple drink, the daiquiri is ripe for experimentation. Try adding some grapefruit along with the lime, or dropping a few basil leaves into the shaker, or adding a float of aged rum on top.
Cocktail Tools
- Your trusty Mexican elbow fruit juicer
- 1 cocktail tin and Boston glass or set of cocktail tins
- 1 measured pourer
- 1 cocktail strainer
- 1 fine mesh strainer
The Technique
Start by juicing your limes, if you really want to make the perfect daiquiri – pass your lime juice through your fine mesh strainer to remove any bits of seed or pulp. Fill your cocktail tin or Boston glass with ice cubes and pour over your measurements of lime juice, rum and sugar syrup. Now for a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds and strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
Finally, garnish with a thin lime wheel and you’re done! Sit back and enjoy the perfect daiquiri in this beautiful weather.
