Rum lovers can look forward to celebrating National Daiquiri Day on July 19, a whole day devoted to this famous drink that originated with Bacardi in 1898.
Shortly after the Spanish-American War in the small mining town of Daiquiri, Cuba, an American engineer by the name of Jennings Stockton Cox of the Juraga Iron Company was sent to the town of Daiquiri to begin developing the iron-ore mines.
Soon after his arrival in Cuba, Mr. Cox searched for a way to cool himself in the intense tropical sun. One day in 1898, Mr. Cox picked a lime from a nearby tree and squeezed the juice into a glass. He then added a teaspoon of sugar to balance the sour lime taste and added a jigger of and Bacardi Carta Blanca (now known as Bacardi Superior) along with crushed ice to chill the liquid.
simple pleasures: just lime, sugar and rum
Photo by Stevi Deter, Two At The Most
Originally named the "Ron Bacardi a la Daiquiri," the cocktail was an immediate hit and the new cocktail's fame spread quickly. It became especially popular at Ernest Hemingway's favorite cocktail lounge, La Floridita, when American thrill-seekers streamed to Cuba during Prohibition. In fact, Ernest Hemingway said of his drink preferences, "My Mojitos at La Bodeguita and my Daiquiris at El Floridita."
Since everything that was once old will be new again, the authentic Bacardi Hand-Shaken Daiquiri is a modern-day classic with staying power.
The venerable Daiquiri, like the popular Mai Tai, has suffered from uber-popularity and endless variations that have effectively diluted the original, simple recipe. Daiquiris are not made in a blender. They don't have strawberries in them. Daiquiris do not come out of a slushy machine. They're not made with commercial sour mix or powdered flavorings. The original Daiquiri is simply made of fresh lime juice, sugar and rum, shaken with ice and served neat in a martini glass.
The Real-Deal Daiquiri
2 oz white rum
.5 oz simple syrup
.5 oz fresh lime juice
The technique for a great Daiquiri is not a mystery. Combine fresh-squeezed lime juice with sugar (or sugar syrup) to balance the tart citrus flavor according to your preference. Add the rum to the lime mixture with plenty of ice in a shaker. As you shake the cocktail, the liquid will begin to chill and the ice will begin to melt. Shaking vigorously for about 10 seconds will produce the desired result. Pour and strain the cocktail from the shaker into the martini glass and garnish with a thin wheel of lime or a wedge.
Ernest Hemingway's favorite variation on the Daiquiri uses a bit of grapefruit juice and maraschino cherry liquor to give the cocktail a delightful twist. The drink has been known as Daiquiri Number 3, The Hemingway Daiquiri, The Papa Dobles and the El Floridita Daiquiri. Here's a simple recipe.
The Hemingway Daiquiri
1.5 oz white rum
.75 oz fresh lime juice
.25 oz maraschino cherry liqueur
.25 oz fresh grapefruit juice
You are hereby deputized to go forth and spread the word that real Daiquiris are not made in blenders and require only the simplest ingredients and techniques. Daiquiris are nearly perfect just as they are, without bottled mixes and fanciful fruity ingredients.
Share the love this National Daiquiri Day with family and friends.
Robert Burr
National Rum Examiner
Gifted Rums Guide
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