Rather than a singular mixed drink, Daiquiri (plural) are a class of cocktails consisting of rum, citrus juice, and sugar. Using these three essential ingredients, the term Daiquiri now encompasses many variations. The original version, created in Cuba at the turn of the century and codified in Embury’s groundbreaking bartending guide The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks in 1936, features white rum, sugar, and lime juice stirred and served over ice. Simple and refreshing, the cocktail was a hit across the island nation and it quickly became a staple throughout Latin America and the rum-rich countries of the Caribbean. 

By the time Daiquiri made their way to the United States, many innovations were being made to the original recipe. In addition to being refined into a shaken cocktail served in a coupe glass, enthusiasts also experimented with different grades of rum, citrus juice, and sweeteners. Daiquiri became the cocktail of choice during World War II, when whiskey and vodka were rationed but rum flowed into the country from Latin America and the Caribbean. Everyone from Ernest Hemingway to John F. Kennedy touted the tropical elixir, which became a mainstay in bars and homes across the country during the war years. While Daiquiri’s popularity tapered off in the decades that followed, they’ve enjoyed a resurgence during the cocktail renaissance of the past two decades.

Like a traditional sour, the preparation of a Daiquiri is straightforward: 1 ½ ounces light rum, ¾ ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice, and ¼ ounce simple syrup, shaken vigorously and strained into a chilled coupe glass. Voila!

However, while simplicity is key when crafting Daiquiri, this cocktail is also a complex study in balance that takes skill to perfect. High quality ingredients and close attention to detail are a winning combination for crafting delectable Daiquiri. This is also a cocktail recipe that you should tailor to your specific taste; create different versions–some a little sweeter, others a little more tart–to craft your own signature Daiquiri recipe.

One of the great delights with Daiquiri is the versatility of these cocktails and the way they lend themselves to experimentation. In addition to different fruit flavors like strawberry and banana, which are beloved by many, there are many recipes that riff on traditional Daiquiri. Hemingway preferred his Daiquiris with fresh grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur; today’s cocktail enthusiasts reach for citrus flavors like Meyer lemon and Key lime, as well as quirky small batch rums to explore new frontiers with this old favorite.