Daiquiri
A crisp Cuban classic combining white rum, lime and sugar. Fresh, bright and perfectly balanced, with clean rum character and a sharp citrus finish.
Daiquiri Recipe
- White rum 50 ml
- Lime juice 20 ml
- Cane sugar syrup 10 ml
- Fresh lime 1 twist, optional
- Ice 150 g
Make it properly
- Add white rum, lime juice and sugar syrup to a shaker.
- Add plenty of ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist, if desired.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT DAIQUIRI?
The Daiquiri is one of the simplest rum cocktails, which means every ingredient matters. White rum provides the character, lime brings fresh acidity and sugar syrup softens the citrus without hiding it. Shaken hard with ice and served well chilled, the result should be crisp, refreshing and balanced rather than overly sweet.
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DAIQUIRI: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Daiquiri, from choosing the right white rum to balancing fresh lime, sugar and dilution for a crisp, refreshing cocktail.
THE STORY OF THE DAIQUIRI
The Daiquiri originated in Cuba around the turn of the 20th century and takes its name from Daiquirí, a town near Santiago de Cuba. Its simple combination of rum, lime and sugar became one of the defining classic rum cocktails.
Despite the frozen and fruit-flavoured variations that came later, the classic Daiquiri remains remarkably simple: rum, fresh citrus and sugar, shaken with ice and served without ice.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A DAIQUIRI
A good Daiquiri starts with a clean, characterful white rum. Drinkero recommends Havana Club Añejo 3 Años for a classic Cuban-style Daiquiri. Bacardí Carta Blanca is a lighter alternative that also works well.
Lime provides the cocktail's fresh acidity, while a small amount of MONIN Pure Cane Sugar Syrup balances the citrus without making the drink overly sweet.
The goal is not to hide the rum under lime and sugar. All three ingredients should remain clearly present in the finished cocktail.
HOW TO MAKE A BALANCED DAIQUIRI
Add the rum, lime juice and sugar syrup to a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake firmly until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
The Daiquiri is served straight up, so the shaking stage provides both chilling and the dilution needed to soften the alcohol and acidity. Taste is ultimately the guide: the finished drink should be bright and refreshing, with enough sweetness to balance the lime while allowing the rum to remain prominent.
Questions about the Daiquiri
What is a classic Daiquiri made from?
A classic Daiquiri contains just three main ingredients: white rum, lime juice and sugar. Drinkero's recipe uses 60 ml white rum, 20 ml lime juice and 10 ml sugar syrup.
What is the best rum for a Daiquiri?
A clean white rum works best. Drinkero recommends Havana Club Añejo 3 Años for a classic Cuban-style Daiquiri, with Bacardí Carta Blanca as another good option.
Is a Daiquiri supposed to be frozen?
Not the classic Daiquiri. The traditional cocktail is shaken with ice and then strained into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass without ice.
How sweet should a Daiquiri be?
A Daiquiri should be refreshing rather than noticeably sweet. The sugar should soften the lime's acidity while still allowing the rum and citrus to remain clearly present.
Does a Daiquiri need a garnish?
No. A garnish is optional. Drinkero uses a fresh lime slice when desired for a simple citrus finish.
How do I make Daiquiris for a group?
Choose 6, 12, 24 or 48 Daiquiris in the Drinkero Cocktail Kit Builder. Drinkero calculates the rum, lime juice, sugar syrup and other quantities you need.
Is the Daiquiri an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Daiquiri is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as one of The Unforgettables. See the IBA’s official Daiquiri recipe for the classic specification.