Are you ready to celebrate National Daiquiri Day? This refreshing and versatile drink has a long history that spans continents and has become a beloved classic in the world of cocktails. Today, we’ll explore the origins of the daiquiri and share some delicious daiquiri recipes for you to try on this special day! Let’s dive right in.

What Is a Daiquiri?

A daiquiri is a cold, alcoholic, mixed drink cocktail that has been around for centuries. In this blog, we’ll cover the history of the daiquiri, how you can mix one up in celebration of National Daiquiri Day. Let’s learn more about this delicious cocktail!

What Alcohol Is in a Daiquiri?

The traditional daiquiri recipe calls for white rum as the primary alcohol. White rum is a clear and light-bodied spirit distilled from sugarcane or molasses. It is the most commonly used rum in cocktails and provides a smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile that pairs well with the other ingredients in a daiquiri.

White rum is preferred in daiquiris because its relatively neutral flavor allows the other components, such as lime juice and sugar, to shine through without overpowering them. It also contributes a subtle hint of tropical notes that complement the refreshing nature of the drink.

Ultimately, the choice of rum depends on your personal preferences and the desired flavor profile of your daiquiri. Experimentation is encouraged, so don’t hesitate to try different rums to find your perfect blend.

Learn More About Rum →

What Kind of Glass Should Be Used for a Daiquiri?

When it comes to serving a daiquiri, the type of glassware you choose can enhance the overall drinking experience. The most commonly used glass for serving a daiquiri is a stemmed cocktail glass known as a “martini glass” or a “coupe glass.” These glasses have a wide, shallow bowl that allows the drinker to fully appreciate the aroma and visual appeal of the cocktail.

The wide bowl of a martini or coupe glass also helps to keep the drink cool and allows for easy garnishing. Additionally, the stem of the glass prevents the heat from the drinker’s hand from warming up the cocktail too quickly.

However, it’s important to note that the choice of glass is ultimately a matter of personal preference. If you don’t have a martini or coupe glass on hand, you can also serve a daiquiri in a rocks glass or a tumbler. While the presentation may differ, the taste and enjoyment of the cocktail will remain the same.

The History of the Daiquiri:

The origins of the daiquiri can be traced back to the late 19th century in Cuba. It is believed that the drink was first created by a group of American mining engineers working in the small town of Daiquiri, located on the southeastern coast of Cuba. These engineers found themselves in need of a refreshing cocktail to combat the tropical heat, and they began experimenting with local ingredients.

One of the key factors in the daiquiri’s rise to fame was the endorsement of a famous writer and lover of all things Cuban, Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was a regular at the El Floridita bar in Havana, where he would often enjoy his daiquiris. However, Hemingway’s version of the drink, now known as the Hemingway daiquiri or Papa Doble, had a few twists. He preferred his daiquiris without sugar and with the addition of grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur.

Over the years, the daiquiri has evolved and expanded beyond its original recipe. Bartenders and mixologists around the world have experimented with different flavors, fruits, and spirits to create their own unique variations.

Fun Fact: In 2010, the Dominican Republic claimed the Guinness World Record for the largest daiquiri ever made. The massive cocktail measured 9,101.5 liters (2,403 gallons) and required over 2,000 liters of rum.

How to Celebrate National Daiquiri Day:

Unfortunately, no one knows when the first National Daiquiri day happened! Regardless, every year on July 19th, people across America celebrate National Daiquiri Day with a mixed daiquiri and a good time. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate National Daiquiri Day:

#1: Host a Daiquiri Tasting Party

Invite friends over and set up a daiquiri tasting station. Prepare a variety of daiquiri recipes, including classic, fruit-infused, and creative variations. Have your guests sample and compare the different flavors while discussing their favorites.

#2: Host a DIY Daiquiri Bar

Set up a DIY daiquiri bar at home with an array of ingredients and garnishes. Provide a selection of rums, fresh fruits for muddling or blending, various sweeteners like simple syrup or flavored syrups, and an assortment of citrus juices. Encourage guests to mix and match ingredients to create their personalized daiquiri concoctions. You might just come up with something new!

#3: Visit a Local Rum Distillery

Since rum is the main star in a daiquiri, it could be fun to see how rum is distilled! Check out what distilleries are near you to see if there are any guided tours or tastings for you to go to!

#4: Sip on a Daiquiri at Home

If you aren’t a party-person, take it easy and simply mix yourself up a daiquiri at home. Experiment with different flavor profiles and find your favorite blends!

#5: Visit a Tiki Bar With Friends

If there’s a tiki bar in your area, National Daiquiri Day is an ideal occasion to visit and immerse yourself in the tropical ambiance. Tiki bars often feature a wide selection of rum-based cocktails, including daiquiris. Enjoy the exotic atmosphere, sip on a classic daiquiri or try their unique tiki-inspired twists, and embrace the spirit of the day surrounded by Polynesian-themed decor and lively music.

How to Make a Classic Daiquiri

The classic daiquiri is a timeless cocktail that captures the perfect balance of tangy lime, sweet sugar, and the smoothness of rum. Making a classic daiquiri at home is easier than you might think! Follow this simple recipe to create a refreshing and authentic daiquiri:

Traditional Daiquiri Ingredients

To make a classic daiquiri, you’ll need:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• Cocktail shaker
• Ice
• Lime wheel or twist for garnishing

Traditional Daiquiri Recipe

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to thoroughly chill the ingredients and create a slight froth.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass, such as a martini or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

Feel free to experiment with the ratios of lime juice and simple syrup to adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the white rum for an aged rum to add depth and complexity to your classic daiquiri.

More Daiquiri Recipes to Try for National Daiquiri Day

If you’re looking for something a little “out-of-the-box,” these variations on the classic daiquiri should spark your interest. Remember, you can experiment as much or as little as you like with your cocktail recipes. Once you get comfortable enough with cocktail ingredients, mixing up your own concoctions becomes fun and exciting!

The Strawberry Daiquiri

If you’re already a fan of strawberry cocktails, you can’t go wrong with this popular spin on the daiquiri. To make one for yourself, blend 1 ½ oz white rum, 1 oz simple syrup, ¾ oz lime juice, 4-5 strawberries, and 1 cup crushed ice in a blender until smooth. Pour into a hurricane glass, garnish with strawberries, and enjoy!

The Daiquiri No. 6

The daiquiri takes on a chocolatey, grapefruit spin in this twist. To make one, you’ll first need to rim an old fashioned glass with smoked salt. Set that aside, and add 1 ½ oz of a good aged rum (the recommended rum is Bacardi Reserva Ocho), ¼ oz dark creme de cacao, a whole seeded and peeled grapefruit, ¾ oz lime juice, and 1 tsp sugar into a blender with 1 cup of crushed ice. Blend until smooth, then pour into your prepped glass. Enjoy!

The Golden Glove

For an almost “margarita-like” twist on the daiquiri, you’ll definitely want to try your hand at a Golden Glove. To mix this one up, add 2 oz white rum, 1 tsp Cointreau or Triple Sec (or something similar), ½ oz lime juice, and 1 tsp sugar to a shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass with crushed ice. Garnish with a lime wheel, then enjoy!

The White Lion

If you’re looking for a warm twist on the daiquiri, this one’s for you. Pour 1 ½ oz white rum, ½ oz allspice dram, ¾ oz lime juice, and ½ oz simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into your chilled glass. Enjoy!

The Torrents of Summer

For this ginger-y daiquiri cocktail, you’ll need 2 oz Bacardi Maestro de Ron, ½ oz maraschino liqueur, ½ oz ginger shrub, ½ oz lime juice, 2 dashes angostura bitters, and a lime peel and cherry for garnish.

Add all ingredients (except the garnishes) to a cocktail shaker with ice, then shake well. Next, fine-strain into your coupe glass, then garnish with your lime peel and cherry. Enjoy!

The Mango Brava Daiquiri

For this variation on the classic daiquiri, all the ratios and steps remain the same. Simply infuse your rum with dried mango for 24 hours before mixing up your drink. You can also infuse your rum with other dried fruits, too. Get experimental and find your favorite pairings!

Distillery Nearby: Find Fantastic Locally-Distilled Liquors With Ease

Here at Distillery Nearby, we’ve made it our mission to make it easier for you to find local distilleries and craft spirits near you. To check out what’s in your local area, check out our by-state directory today. Maybe you’ll find your new favorite white rum for use in your National Daiquiri Day cocktails this year!