Classic Daiquiri
Discover the timeless elegance of the Classic Daiquiri. This simple yet sophisticated cocktail perfectly balances sweet, sour, and spirit with just three core ingredients: white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Learn how to shake up this quintessential Cuban cocktail for a refreshingly tart and invigorating experience. Ideal for warm evenings, parties, or anytime you crave a perfectly balanced classic.
Ingredients
- 6 cl white rum
- 2 cl lime juice
- 2 teaspoons simple syrup
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
Combine the white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels very cold (about 15-20 seconds).
Discard the ice from the chilled coupe glass.
Double strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge, if desired.
Trivia
- What is a Classic Daiquiri?
A Classic Daiquiri is a simple, traditional cocktail originating from Cuba. It consists of three primary ingredients: white rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar (usually in the form of simple syrup). It's shaken with ice and served chilled in a coupe or martini glass, known for its refreshing sweet and tart balance.
- What does a Daiquiri taste like?
A well-made Classic Daiquiri has a bright, crisp, and refreshing taste. It perfectly balances the sweetness of the simple syrup with the tartness of the fresh lime juice, complemented by the distinct character of the white rum. It should be neither too sweet nor too sour.
- What is the best rum for a Daiquiri?
A quality light or white rum is traditionally preferred for a Classic Daiquiri. Look for brands with a clean, smooth profile that won't overpower the delicate balance of lime and sugar. Cuban-style rums are authentic, but many other excellent white rums work beautifully.
- Is a Daiquiri shaken or stirred?
A Classic Daiquiri should always be shaken, not stirred. Shaking with ice properly chills, dilutes, and aerates the cocktail, integrating the ingredients and creating the desired texture and temperature essential for this refreshing drink.
- What's the difference between a Daiquiri and a Margarita?
While both are sour cocktails, the main difference lies in the base spirit and citrus. A Daiquiri uses rum and lime juice, whereas a Margarita uses tequila, lime juice, and typically an orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Cointreau. Margaritas are often served with a salt rim.
- Can I use bottled lime juice for a Daiquiri?
Using freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended for the best Classic Daiquiri. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavour profile compared to bottled lime juice, which can taste muted or artificial and may contain preservatives affecting the final taste.