Classic Daiquiri
A classic daiquiri is bright, simple, and balanced: rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup shaken until icy cold. It is a clean, citrusy cocktail that takes only a few minutes to make at home.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mCubanDrinks
The daiquiri started as a simple Cuban rum drink, not a frozen slush. The classic version is shaken with ice and served straight up, which means strained into a glass without ice.
Because there are only three ingredients, each one matters. Use fresh lime juice, a rum you enjoy, and simple syrup for a smooth sweetness that blends easily into the cold drink.
This recipe makes one crisp cocktail. It is easy to scale, but for the cleanest texture, shake one or two drinks at a time.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
4 items · 1 cocktail
- 2 ounces white rum
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup, preferably 1:1 simple syrup
- Ice, for shaking
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the Glass
Place a coupe or small cocktail glass in the freezer while you measure the drink. A cold glass helps the daiquiri stay crisp after shaking.
2. Juice the Lime
Squeeze fresh lime juice and strain out seeds. Bottled lime juice tastes dull here, so fresh juice makes a big difference.
3. Measure the Ingredients
Add the white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Use a jigger or small measuring cup so the sweet and sour balance stays even.
4. Add the Ice
Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice. This chills the drink and adds a little water as it melts, which softens the edges of the lime and rum.
5. Shake Until Cold
Seal the shaker and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds. The outside of the shaker should feel very cold and lightly frosty.
6. Strain and Serve
Remove the glass from the freezer. Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass and serve right away, while it is bright and cold.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: You can juice the limes and make the simple syrup up to 2 days ahead. Keep both covered in the refrigerator. Do not shake the cocktail until serving time.
- Batching: For 4 drinks, combine 8 ounces rum, 3 ounces lime juice, and 3 ounces simple syrup in a pitcher. Chill, then shake each serving with ice before straining.
- Storage: A shaken daiquiri is not a good storage drink. The flavor fades and the texture turns flat as it warms. Mix only what you plan to serve.
- Simple syrup swap: If you do not have simple syrup, stir 1 tablespoon granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon warm water until dissolved. Use 3/4 ounce of that syrup for one drink.
- Rum swap: White rum gives the cleanest classic flavor. Lightly aged rum also works, but dark or heavily spiced rum will make a richer, less traditional drink.
- Adjusting balance: If the drink tastes too sharp, add 1/4 ounce more simple syrup. If it tastes too sweet, add a small squeeze of lime juice and shake again with fresh ice.
Cook's note
This recipe is intended for adults of legal drinking age. Drink responsibly, and avoid alcohol if you are pregnant, driving, or avoiding alcohol for health or personal reasons.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What is the difference between a classic daiquiri and a frozen daiquiri?
A classic daiquiri is shaken with ice and strained into a glass. A frozen daiquiri is blended with ice until slushy and often includes fruit.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is strongly recommended. Bottled lime juice can taste bitter or flat, which stands out in a simple cocktail like this.
What kind of rum should I use?
Use a white rum or light rum with a flavor you like. It does not need to be expensive, but it should taste clean because there are only a few ingredients.
Can I make a daiquiri less sweet?
Yes. Reduce the simple syrup to 1/2 ounce for a sharper, drier drink. You can always add a little more after tasting.
Do I need a cocktail shaker?
A shaker is helpful, but a clean jar with a tight lid can work. Shake with ice, then strain through a small sieve if you do not have a cocktail strainer.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium1 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate17 g
- 6%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars15 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium2 mg
- 0%
- Iron0 mg
- 0%
- Potassium23 mg
- 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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