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2024-05-27 15:25:09

Exploring the Legendary Daiquiris of Floridita

Daiquiri is one of the most renamed cocktails in Cuba. Its preparation is very simple and with common ingredients, typically found in our island.  The main ingredients are rum, citrus juice, and sugar or another sweetener, altogether shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass giving the unique taste to one of the emblematic cocktails of the Cuban gastronomy.

Daiquiri gained popularity and became a favorite drink of the iconic American writer Ernest Hemingway who played a significant role raising the fame of this cocktail. Its rich history dates back to the late 1800s in Cuba. El Floridita, a legendary bar in Havana became “The Cradle of the Daiquiri” due to its historical significance and its association with the creation of this cocktail.

In Cuba, daiquiris have several variations. Here are some of the notable types of daiquiris you can find: Classic Daiquiri, Hemingway Daiquiri, Frozen Daiquiri, Pink, Banana Daiquiri, Pineapple Daiquiri and others. Each of these daiquiris reflects the versatility of the classic cocktail, allowing for a variety of flavors and textures while maintaining the refreshing qualities that make the daiquiri a beloved drink in Cuba.

Constantino Ribalaigua Vert, a Catalan bartender who emigrated to Cuba, and although he did not create Daiquiri but made some improvements to the famous cocktail that has arrived to Havana from the city of Santiago de Cuba. Constantino improved numerous cocktails, including Daiquiri No.3 also named Floridita and also introduced Daiquiri No. 5, also known as the Pink Daiquiri, a delightful and refreshing cocktail with a unique flavor profile. The tradition of crafting delicious rum cocktails with fresh fruit juices was born here.

Hemingway´s Daiquiri or Papa Doble became famous—a stronger version of the original without sugar but with extra rum and lime. Hemingway Special Daiquiri has become also a tribute to the writer himself with his simple steps: “Double the rum and lose the sugar.”  This refined version includes rum, maraschino liqueur, and lime and grapefruit juices. It’s a tangy and refreshing twist on the classic.

In Havana, El Floridita has become one of the main attractions for visitors and cocktail enthusiasts hoping to experience what Hemingway loved, that’s why the property proudly boasts a life-size bronze statue of Hemingway.

El Floridita’s Daiquiri remains a symbol of Cuban mixology and remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who want to capture a photo next to the iconic Hemingway statue standing in the bar, when you sip a Daiquiri at El Floridita, you’re not just enjoying a cocktail; you’re immersing yourself in the rich history and vibrant spirit of Cuba, this is a must-visit spot to experience a taste of Havana and these timeless cocktails, each carrying a piece of Cuban history and flavor.

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