There’s something special about a perfectly made Daiquiri. It’s bright, zesty, just sweet enough, and goes down smooth-like a tropical breeze in a glass. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress. Whether you’re sipping it on your porch or mixing up a batch for a backyard hangout, this classic cocktail brings sunshine to any setting.
Strawberry Daiquiri
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Coupe or martini glass
Ingredients
- 60ml (2 oz) white rum – use a light, clean-tasting one for best results
- 30ml (1 oz) fresh lime juice – freshly squeezed is key here
- 15ml (0.5 oz) simple syrup – equal parts sugar and water, stirred until dissolved
- Ice cubes, for shaking
Optional Equipment
- Cocktail shaker – but if you don’t have one, a mason jar with a tight lid works
- Strainer – a fine mesh strainer or cocktail strainer to keep things smooth
- Citrus juicer – helps get every drop of juice from your limes
Method
- Start by chilling your glass. Pop it in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix the drink.
- Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it hard-about 15 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- Dump the ice water from your glass (if you used it), then strain the drink into the chilled coupe or martini glass.
It should pour out smooth and pale, with a crisp citrus aroma. That’s your sign you nailed it.
Tips & Tricks
- Always use fresh lime juice. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
- Chill your glass first-this helps the drink stay cold and crisp longer.
- Taste before serving. If it’s too tart, add a touch more syrup. Too sweet? A little more lime does the trick.
- Make your own simple syrup: Mix 1 cup (200g) sugar with 1 cup (240ml) water. Heat until dissolved, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Make-Ahead Note
Planning a party? Mix a large batch (just multiply the ingredients), then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice so each drink is freshly chilled and perfectly mixed.
Ingredient Swaps
- No white rum? Try dark rum for a deeper, molasses-y twist.
- Out of simple syrup? Honey or agave nectar works-just dilute it slightly with warm water so it blends easily.
- Want a citrus twist? Swap some of the lime juice for grapefruit or orange juice.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t overdo the syrup-it’s easy to make this drink too sweet.
- Avoid old or bottled lime juice. Fresh makes a huge difference.
- Make sure to shake long enough. A quick swirl won’t chill it properly or give you that silky texture.
How to Store
If you’ve made a big batch, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake with ice before serving. Avoid adding ice directly to the batch-it’ll dilute the flavor over time.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines on its own, but pairing it with the right food can elevate your whole experience. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work rituals: sipping a Daiquiri with a plate of grilled shrimp and mango salsa. Pure joy.
Great Pairings
- Spicy dishes: Think jerk chicken, chili prawns, or spicy tacos. The cocktail’s citrusy zing balances heat beautifully.
- Grilled seafood: The smoky char from grilled fish or shrimp plays nicely with the drink’s limey brightness.
- Fruit desserts: Pineapple upside-down cake, mango sorbet, or key lime pie echo the Daiquiri’s tropical notes.
Fun Facts
- The Daiquiri was created in Cuba in the late 1800s by an American engineer.
- It was named after the Cuban town of Daiquirí.
- Hemingway famously loved a version with grapefruit juice and no sugar-now called the Hemingway Daiquiri.
- The original version was served without ice!
- July 19th is National Daiquiri Day-mark your calendar!
Variations to Try
Frozen Daiquiri
- Add 1 cup of crushed ice to the classic ingredients.
- Blend until smooth and frosty.
- Serve in a chilled glass with a straw.
Banana Daiquiri
- Toss in half a ripe banana with the original mix.
- Blend with ice until creamy.
- Serve in a hurricane glass for a tropical twist.
Hemingway Daiquiri
- Use 60ml (2 oz) rum, 15ml (0.5 oz) lime juice, 15ml (0.5 oz) grapefruit juice, and a splash of maraschino liqueur.
- No syrup-this one’s intentionally tart.
- Shake and strain into a chilled glass.
Virgin Daiquiri
- Mix 30ml (1 oz) fresh lime juice with 15ml (0.5 oz) simple syrup and 1 cup crushed ice.
- Blend until slushy.
- Great for kids or anyone skipping alcohol.
Q&A
What’s the best rum to use?
Stick with a light, white rum for a clean taste that lets the lime shine. Brands like Bacardí or Havana Club are great picks.
Can I make it without a cocktail shaker?
Yes! Use a mason jar or even stir it with ice in a mixing glass. Just be sure to shake or stir well to chill it thoroughly.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back the simple syrup or use extra lime juice. A tart lime can balance things out naturally.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by however many servings you want. Store in a jug or pitcher, and shake individual portions with ice before serving.
Is it always served without ice?
Traditionally, yes-it’s served “up” in a chilled glass. But on a hot day, no one will judge if you pour it over a few cubes.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights, and once you try it, I think it might become yours too. It’s simple, refreshing, and endlessly riffable. Cheers to mastering a true classic!
