DAIQUIRI RECIPE: WHAT EVEN IS A DAIQUIRI?

Photo copyright A Bar Above

 

A lot of people probably think of frozen Daiquiri when they see this cocktail’s name (a frozen strawberry Daiquiri is a summer staple at poolside bars, after all). But we’re actually talking about the classic, non-blended version here. So put away that blender and grab your cocktail shaker! (I may be biased, but I do truly think ours is the best around.)

 

Frozen strawberry daiquiri with a fresh strawberry garnish by Maria Georgieva via Unsplash.com

Photo by Maria Georgieva via www.Unsplash.com

Like its frozen counterpart, a classic Daiquiri still incorporates rum and lime juice, but it is shaken rather than blended. While the taste is similar, it may be easier (and quieter) for cocktail parties and for bartenders at busy bars.

Then, of course, there is the “Hemingway Daiquiri,” a variation of the classic, adding maraschino liqueur and grapefruit juice– inspired by Ernest Hemingway. But that’s a whole ‘nother post with a lot of history… and perhaps some urban legend.

 

original daiquiri with white sugar syrup

Copyright A Bar Above

 

HOW TO MAKE A DAIQUIRI: A CLASSIC SOUR, A BIT UNREFINED

Rather, I like to think of the Daiquiri as the Margarita’s somewhat unrefined little brother. Both classic cocktails are types of sour cocktails, and both use lime + sweetener + spirit. Where they differ is the classic Margarita includes triple sec (or in the case of Tommy’s Margarita, you’ll skip the triple sec and swap that sweeter for agave nectar.)

The Daiquiri, on the other hand, skips the fancy orange liqueur and sweeteners and gets straight to the point. It’s a very simple rum cocktail using white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, offering a tart flavor with a bit of sweetness.

 

 

SIMPLE SYRUP: SUGAR AND WATER

Like many classic cocktails, this recipe calls for simple syrup. While you can buy this in a bottle, we honestly believe that’s a waste of your money! You can make your own simple syrup at home with a 1:1 ratio of water and granulated sugar plus a little prep time:

  • Boil 1 part water.
  • Add 1 part sugar.
  • Stir until dissolved while boiling. Once the sugar has dissolved, set the syrup aside to cool.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks to add to your favorite drinks.

 

Drawing of a cocktail glass with a lime slice demonstrating a proper Daiquiri on an actual cocktail recipe card

Copyright A Bar Above

SHAKE THIS CLASSIC DRINK, DON’T BLEND

So the next time you want something a bit sweet, a little unrefined, and a lot delicious… Consider the Daiquiri. It’s not just for slushy machines anymore!

Ready for yours? Grab the recipe below and get shaking. And definitely let us know in the comments how you like this classic version of the Daiquiri.

Bartender holding a refreshing cocktail in a cocktail glass

Copyright A Bar Above

Fantastic drink of shaken daiquiri with quality ingredients

Daiquiri

5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks

Ingredients

  • 2 oz White Rum
  • 1 oz Lime Juice
  • 3/4 oz Simple Syrup

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a shaker tin.
  • Add ice and shake well.
  • Fine-strain into a coupe and (optional) garnish with a lime wheel or peel.