Classic Daiquiri co*cktail Recipe (2024)

/ Updated Sep 28, 2022 / by Carolyn Gratzer Cope / 6 Comments / This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more.

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The classic daiquiri is a simple, beautiful co*cktail, worlds away from the frozen version. Rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup. Shaken. Nothing more. Don't miss it.

Classic Daiquiri co*cktail Recipe (1)

Why we love this recipe

Simple, well-balanced classic co*cktails are hard to beat. And yet the daiquiri has occupied an unenviable seat on the struggle bus over the years. Coopted on the one hand by the smoothie machine at TGI Fridays, and maligned on the other hand by snobbish folks who think they know more than they do, the original sometimes gets lost in the noise.

The thing is, a classic daiquiri — light rum, fresh lime juice, a dash of simple syrup, shaken and strained into a diminutive glass — was adored by the likes of J.F.K. and Hemingway. Isn't that basically the pinnacle of success? I'd have been beyond thrilled to clock out of the world with that feather in my cap, just sayin.

Anyhoo. Here's how to get back to basics and enjoy a classic daiquiri. I first published this recipe here back in 2009. I've since updated the post for clarity. Learn more about this drink's history here.

What you'll need

Here's a glance at the ingredients and tools you'll need to make this recipe.

Classic Daiquiri co*cktail Recipe (2)
  • Light rum, also called white or silver rum, is clear and mild-tasting. I've pictured Bacardi Superior, which purports to be the original rum of the daiquiri. It's super-affordable, easily available, and extremely flexible. It's a fine choice for virtually all co*cktails calling for light rum, but it certainly won't blow your mind. Here are some good choices if you're looking to step things up a bit.
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential
  • Here's how to make 1:1 simple syrup. It keeps for a long time in the fridge, so make a batch to use in this and other co*cktails.
  • A smaller coupe or Nick and Nora glass is a nice way to serve this diminutive drink.

How to make it

Here's what you'll do to make a perfect classic daiquiri. You can see the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post, and get all the details in the recipe card below.

Classic Daiquiri co*cktail Recipe (3)
  1. Fill a co*cktail shaker with plenty of ice. Pour in rum.
  2. Pour in lime juice and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well until very cold. Strain into a coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
  4. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.
Classic Daiquiri co*cktail Recipe (4)

Expert tips and FAQs

What is light rum?

Light rum, also called white or silver rum, is distilled from sugarcane just like other varieties. The "light" refers to both the clear color and the mild, "sweet" flavor profile. (There's no actual sugar content, but something about the rounded flavor and the hints of fruitiness can feel sweet and is often described that way.) It's the rum of choice for common co*cktails like the daiquiri, Cuba libre, mojito, and piña colada.

Light rum tends to be aged less than other varieties — no more than a year. Depending on the producer, it may be aged in stainless steel casks or wooden barrels, then filtered to remove any color and impurities.

In the U.S., it is usually sold at 80 proof (40% ABV).

Can I batch this co*cktail in a pitcher?

You sure can. It's a little less classic but a whole lot easier if you’ve got a lot of people to serve and lack a full-time bartender.

For 8 drinks, up to two hours before the party, pour 2 cups rum, 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, ½ cup simple syrup, and ½ cup water into a pitcher and stir well. Chill until serving time. Five to 10 minutes before serving, stir in 2 cups ice.

Pour into glasses, garnish each with a lime wheel, and serve.

Why is it called a Nick and Nora glass?

This diminutive glass was created in the 1930s and is just the right size for smaller classic co*cktails. The name is based on the characters Nick and Nora Charles from Dashiell Hammett's novel The Thin Man.

More classic co*cktails with lime

  • Gimlet
  • The Last Word
  • Margarita on the Rocks
Classic Daiquiri co*cktail Recipe (5)

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Yield: 1

Classic Daiquiri

Classic Daiquiri co*cktail Recipe (6)

The classic daiquiri was the preferred drink of Hemingway and JFK. It's nothing like the syrupy frozen version.

Prep Time5 minutes

Total Time5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces light rum
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ ounce 1:1 simple syrup
  • Lime wheel, to garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a co*cktail shaker with plenty of ice.
  2. Pour in the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well until very cold.
  4. Pour into a small coupe or Nick and Nora glass, garnish with lime wheel, and serve.

Notes

You can also make a pitcher of daiquiris for a party. It's a little less classic but a whole lot easier if you’ve got a lot of people to serve and lack a full-time bartender. For 8 drinks, up to two hours before the party, pour 2 cups rum, 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, ½ cup simple syrup, and ½ cup water into a pitcher and stir well. Chill until serving time. Five to 10 minutes before serving, stir in 2 cups ice. Pour into glasses, garnish each with a lime wheel, and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 173

Did you make this recipe?

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More co*cktails

  • French Blonde co*cktail
  • Vermouth and Soda
  • Old Fashioned Wassail Recipe
  • Mango Mojitos
Classic Daiquiri co*cktail Recipe (11)

About Carolyn Gratzer Cope

Hi there, I'm Carolyn Gratzer Cope, founder and publisher of Umami Girl. Join me in savoring life, one recipe at a time. I'm a professional recipe developer with training from the French Culinary Institute (now ICE) and a lifetime of studying, appreciating, and sharing food. More about me.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carolyn says

    I love all the sweetening options coming out here. Honey, agave, simple syrup --- shucks, maybe we'll have to do some more recipe testing.

    Reply

  2. Julie Steinberg says

    I love this recipe; the simpler the summer drink, the better. And the picture is delicious.

    Throw in some muddled mint and you have a mojito.

    Reply

  3. Becky says

    Nice. When I'm too lazy to make simple syrup I'll throw some Agave in my drinks instead.

    Reply

  4. geomom says

    makes me think of the scene in Auntie Mame when the secret ingredient of the Claude Upson daiquiri is revealed to be...honey!

    Reply

  5. Jill says

    ahh...
    looks delish... and sounds so great after such a hot and humid day! :o)
    I may have to put my "rum" issues to rest and try your beautiful looking daquiri's! :o)
    ~J

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Classic Daiquiri co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a classic daiquiri made of? ›

The classic Daiquiri is a simple yet harmonious balance of rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sugar. Daiquiri's three-ingredient, citrus-forward formula firmly plants it in the sour family of co*cktails, a category of drinks that includes the Margarita and the Mojito.

What is the primary alcohol in a daiquiri? ›

The daiquiri (/ˈdaɪkəri, ˈdæk-/; Spanish: daiquirí [dajkiˈɾi]) is a co*cktail whose main ingredients are rum, citrus juice (typically lime juice), and sugar or other sweetener. In a co*cktail shaker add all ingredients.

What is Hemingway daiquiri vs regular daiquiri? ›

The Hemingway daiquiri brings the subtly sweet, dry cherry taste of maraschino liqueur and tart grapefruit into the classic daiquiri mix of rum and lime. Hemingway took this daiquiri without sugar, but most people prefer the added sweetness. Feel free to make a Hemingway with or without the optional simple syrup.

What's in a Hemingway daiquiri? ›

Ingredients
  • Ice.
  • 2 ounces white rum.
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice.
  • 1/2 ounce fresh grapefruit juice.
  • 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur.
  • 1 lime wheel, for garnish (optional)
Apr 9, 2021

Which rum for daiquiri? ›

TTO White Rum was almost certainly designed with classic Daiquiris in mind. The combination of Jamaican and Dominican rum creates an extremely well rounded blend that is perfect in classic co*cktails like this one.

Is A Pina Colada A daiquiri? ›

In a 1922 issue of TRAVEL magazine a Piña Colada is described as pineapple “shaken up with ice, sugar, lime and Bacardi rum”. Bacardi was a catch-all at the time for light rum, so this is basically a Pineapple Daiquiri (yum).

Is a daiquiri just a margarita with rum? ›

Both tart and refreshing classic drinks, there are two main differences between a margarita and a daiquiri. A margarita is typically made with tequila, while a daiquiri is made using rum.

What's the difference between a daiquiri and a frozen daiquiri? ›

The classic Daiquiri is traditionally served up or on the rocks, rather than frozen. But structurally speaking, when made right, there's little to separate the blended Frozen Daiquiri from its traditional formulation, other than the manner in which ice and dilution are added.

What's the difference between a classic daiquiri and a margarita? ›

The main difference is the alcohol in each co*cktail. Margaritas are made with tequila and sweetened with triple sec, while daiquiris are made with white rum and simple syrup for sweetener. Their common ingredients are lime juice, lots of ice and sometimes fruit juices.

What is a Hawaiian daiquiri? ›

A Tropical Juice Drink with Natural Pineapple Flavour and Sugar Syrup, Shaken with Fruit Alcohol and White Rum.

Is a frozen margarita a daiquiri? ›

The main difference between strawberry margaritas and daiquiris is the base liquor: Margaritas use tequila and daiquiris require rum. Additionally, frozen strawberry daiquiri recipes typically use simple syrup while margaritas prefer triple sec.

Is a mojito a type of daiquiri? ›

The daiquiri is a mixture of rum, lemon juice, sugar and crushed ice. The mojito differs in that it contains fizzy water, a sprig of mint and ice cubes. The Cuba Libre simply mixes rum, cola and lemon. Cuban music and dance will also be featured at numerous festival booths.

What's in a Charlie Chaplin co*cktail? ›

Charlie Chaplin
  1. 1 1/2 part Sipsmith® Sloe Gin.
  2. 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice.
  3. 3/4 part apricot brandy.
  4. 1/4 part simple syrup.

Can you put bitters in a daiquiri? ›

A quintessential co*cktail, this is one of the easiest, most refreshing drinks you can make. The 1919 Daiquiri is a classic time piece that showcases the character of the rum and the essence of the word co*cktail, integrating Rum, lime juice, sugar and bitters.

What co*cktail did Ernest Hemingway invent? ›

Fit for a literary legend, the Hemingway Daiquiri was born. The writer was so delighted with the recipe that he would drink up to a dozen of them a day, frequently ordering them two at a time–earning the co*cktail the Cuban moniker of Papa Dobles.

What is a frozen daiquiri made of? ›

Directions. In a blender, combine the frozen strawberries, rum, lime juice and sugar. Blend until smooth and divide among 6 highball or hurricane-style glasses. Garnish each glass with a strawberry slice and serve immediately.

Is a daiquiri just a rum sour? ›

The daiquiri is a classic rum sour drink, and—much like the martini and margarita—it has also developed into a subfamily of drinks. Many variations take on a variety of flavors, and it's often blended with ice as well.

What is a Cuban co*cktail of white rum and lime juice called? ›

Mojito (/moʊˈhiːtoʊ/; Spanish: [moˈxito]) is a traditional Cuban punch. The co*cktail often consists of five ingredients: white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime juice, soda water, and mint.

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