Daiquiri No. 1

Daiquiri No. 1

The quintessential sour cocktail, a perfectly balanced and refreshing trinity of rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar that serves as a true test of a bartender's skill.

20%

ABV

172

Calories

Coupe

Glass

Flavor Profile

Flavor Journey

4
Sweet
7
Sour
1
Bitter
6
Strong

Ingredients

Each component plays a crucial role.

Method

Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.

1

Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer.

2

Combine light rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.

3

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker is frosted over.

4

Double strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.

Glassware

Coupe

Served up in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to maintain its cold temperature.

Garnish

Lime wheel

A thin, fresh lime wheel

Master's Tips

Professional insights to elevate your craft

Always use freshly squeezed lime juice; bottled juice will ruin the drink's balance.

Thoroughly chill your coupe glass beforehand to keep the cocktail crisp and cold.

A vigorous 12-15 second shake is crucial for achieving the perfect temperature, dilution, and texture.

Double strain the drink to remove any ice shards or lime pulp for a silky-smooth consistency.

Variations & Riffs

Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Daiquiri No. 1.

Other Variations

Hemingway Daiquiri

Major Variation

A famous variation created for Ernest Hemingway, featuring grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur with no added sugar.

Changes
Rum:2 oz2 oz
Fresh Lime Juice:0.75 oz0.75 oz
:0 0.5
:0 0.5

The 3:2:1 Daiquiri

Minor Tweak

A tarter, more lime-forward version of the classic. The ratio is 1.5 oz rum, 1 oz lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.

Changes
Rum:2 oz1.5 oz
Fresh Lime Juice:0.75 oz1 oz
Simple Syrup:0.5 oz0.5 oz

Frozen Daiquiri

Major Variation

Popularized at El Floridita, this version is blended with crushed ice to create a slushy consistency, often with added fruit like strawberries.

Changes

History & Heritage

The Daiquiri was created in the late 19th century in Daiquirí, Cuba, by American mining engineer Jennings Cox. The simple mix of local rum, lime, and sugar was popularized after being introduced to the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C., and became an international icon during Prohibition when Americans flocked to Cuban bars like El Floridita.

More to Explore

If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.