With summer in full swing, it’s time for a super refreshing cocktail that marries the light flavor of rum with the fresh flavor of ripe strawberries. The perfect summer drink for a hot day, this shaken Strawberry Daiquiri requires minimal prep time and is absolutely delicious.
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Daiquiri Cocktail History
The classic Daiquiri cocktail, a rum-based cocktail with fresh lime juice and simple syrup, has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century. Originating in Cuba, the Daiquiri was named after a beach near Santiago de Cuba.
It gained popularity among American tourists and eventually made its way to the rest of the world. The simplicity of the original Daiquiri recipe– which is made in a cocktail shaker, not a blender– captured the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts and became a beloved drink that has inspired countless variations over the years.
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Strawberry Daiquiri Ingredients
Today we’re focusing on a delicious Strawberry Daiquiri with real strawberries– no Daiquiri mix here! We’re making this one in a cocktail shaker, but don’t worry… we have more on the frozen cocktail version (AKA the classic summer party drink) for you below.
To create a tantalizing Strawberry Daiquiri, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe, juicy strawberries to infuse your Daiquiri with natural sweetness and vibrant color. In a pinch, frozen berries also work! (They’re typically picked at peak ripeness before being frozen, so you can still achieve that sweet strawberry flavor.)
- White Rum: Opt for a high-quality white rum to provide the classic, bright flavor of the cocktail. Your choice of rum can actually make a difference in the drink’s overall flavor– so it doesn’t have to be top shelf, but it also shouldn’t be super low quality. Bacardi rum is a very popular and safe choice.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a refreshing tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Simple Syrup: A combination of equal parts granulated sugar and water, simple syrup helps balance the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness. Just boil one cup water to one cup sugar until combined thoroughly. Let it cool before using– it will last 2-4 weeks in the fridge. Note: We are using a strawberry simple syrup today, but you can also simply muddle strawberries and use a plain simple instead.
These simple ingredients pack a punch! And make sure to have extra lime slices and fresh berries on hand for garnishing.
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How to Make a Strawberry Daiquiri
In today’s video, Chris shows you how to make a mixed drink version of this fruity Strawberry Daiquiri, rather than the popular version of a frozen strawberry cocktail. Of course, making it a frozen drink is always an option, too!
Watch Chris make the classic Strawberry Daiquiri recipe here:
Daiquiri Variations
The Daiquiri is part of the sour family, meaning the formula is spirit, acid, and sweetener. Once you know the basic formula, you can use substitutions to change your cocktail flavors. Today, Chris uses a strawberry syrup to give the signature strawberry flavor, but you can manipulate that with other syrups. If you’d like to know more about how exactly to do that, sign up for our new Syrups Course!
While the classic Strawberry Daiquiri is undoubtedly delightful, there are endless possibilities for putting your own twist on this beloved cocktail. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri: For an extra frosty treat, simply add ice to a blender, and blend until you achieve a slushy consistency. Serve this version in a hurricane glass or other tall glass to accommodate the extra liquid from the fresh strawberry puree.
- Strawberry Coconut Daiquiri: Blend in some cream of coconut or coconut milk to give your daiquiri a tropical twist!
- Spicy Strawberry Daiquiri: Infuse your cocktail with a kick by muddling a few slices of jalapeño or adding a dash of hot sauce.
- Strawberry Basil Daiquiri: Muddle fresh basil leaves with the strawberries to add an aromatic and herbaceous note to your drink.
- Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri: The non-alcoholic drink version is extremely popular with kiddos, but it’s also a great way to enjoy this refreshing drink on a hot summer day without getting tipsy. You can even substitute a zero-proof spirit like Seedlip or Ritual for the rum to get the full body of the alcoholic version.
- Smoked Strawberry Daiquiri: Check out the video about to see one of the more unique versions, a smoked Daiquiri option! You can either follow Chris’ method and smoke the cocktail directly, or you can sub in mezcal for the rum (or do a split base with 1 ounce of each). Yum, yum…
Now that you have the foundation of this classic cocktail recipe, of course feel free to experiment and create your own variations to suit your taste preferences, and definitely let us know in the comments which version is your personal favorite.
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Do you like the way we made this popular summer favorite today, or are you partial to a frozen Daiquiri? And don’t forget to grab our homemade strawberry Daiquiri recipe below– enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 ounce White Rum
- 1 ounce Fresh Lime juice
- 1 ounce Strawberry Simple Syrup see instructions below
- 1 each Lime Wheel or Fresh Strawberry for garnish
Strawberry Syrup Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberry Slices hulled
- 1 cup Hot Water
- 1 cup White Sugar
Instructions
Cocktail Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, combine all ingredients, and shake until mixed and chilled (10 seconds).
- Double strain into a Nick & Nora or coupe cocktail glass.
- Garnish with strawberry slice, lime wheel, or even fresh mint leaves.
Syrup Instructions
- Combine sugar and strawberries, and let them macerate for about 25-30 minutes.
- Once macerated, add hot water and stir until all the residual sugar is melted away.
- Fine strain out all the solids and excess pulp. Refrigerate for upwards of 2 weeks.
