Daiquiri (straight-up)
Daiquiri (straight-up)
The exact origin of the Daiquiri (straight-up) is somewhat disputed, but it is widely believed to have originated in Cuba in the early 20th century.
One story attributes the creation of the Daiquiri to an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox who was working in the small town of Daiquiri, Cuba during the Spanish-American War in the late 1800s. Legend has it that Cox ran out of gin while hosting a gathering at his home and used locally available ingredients, namely rum, lime juice, and sugar, to create a refreshing cocktail. This improvised cocktail became known as the Daiquiri, named after the town where it was supposedly created.
Another theory suggests that the Daiquiri was actually invented by Cuban bartenders who were experimenting with various combinations of ingredients at the time. They discovered that the combination of rum, lime juice, and sugar created a well-balanced and delicious cocktail that became popular among locals and eventually spread to other parts of the world.
Regardless of its exact origin, the Daiquiri gained popularity throughout Cuba and grew in popularity during the 1930s in America when the Prohibition era ended and Americans were able to freely travel to Cuba. The combination of rum, lime juice, and sugar proved to be a winning formula, and the Daiquiri became a classic cocktail that continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world today.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cut zest from your lime for garnish prior to squeezing for juice. SHAKE all ingredients with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.
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For an even better Daiquiri use 2 x 5ml measuring spoons of powdered sugar (finely ground caster sugar) in place of 10ml sugar syrup. Stir sugar with other ingredients in base of shaker prior to adding ice and shaking to ensure fully dissolved.
Note
- Proper measurement: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial for a balanced cocktail. Use a jigger or measuring tool to ensure precise proportions.
- Quality ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients like fresh lime juice, premium white rum, and simple syrup. This will elevate the flavor profile of your Daiquiri.
- Freshly squeezed citrus: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice as opposed to bottled juice, as it adds a vibrant and zesty taste to the cocktail.
- Simple syrup: Prepare a simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and hot water. This ensures that the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the drink.
- Shake, don't stir: Shake the cocktail vigorously with ice to blend the flavors and achieve the perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, and dilution.
- Strain properly: Strain the cocktail using a fine-mesh strainer or a Hawthorne strainer to remove any ice chips or pulp, resulting in a smooth and elegant drink.
- Chill your glassware: Before pouring your Daiquiri, refrigerate your glassware or add ice to it to ensure the cocktail stays cold for longer.
- Garnish with a lime wheel: Slice a lime wheel and use it as a simple yet impressive garnish for your cocktail. It adds a touch of visual appeal and hints at the flavor inside.
- Experiment with variations: Once you have mastered the classic Daiquiri, don't be afraid to get creative. Try adding fresh fruit purees, a splash of another spirit, or even experimenting with different types of rum.
- Serve & savor: Present your perfectly prepared Daiquiri in a chilled glass, preferably a martini or coupe glass. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and appreciate your cocktail-making skills!