Daiquiri

Pro tips

• Squeeze fresh limes immediately before mixing; lime juice oxidizes quickly and loses brightness within 30 minutes.
• Use a 2:1 ratio of rum to lime and syrup combined for proper balance; this ratio defines the classic Daiquiri.
• Shake hard for 10–15 seconds with fresh ice to achieve proper dilution (about 0.75 oz water) and a silky mouthfeel.
• Strain into a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass; a warm glass will cause the drink to lose its crispness immediately.

Substitutions

• Light Rum → aged or gold rum (adds oak and complexity, moves away from the classic profile)
• Fresh Lime Juice → lemon juice (acceptable substitute in a pinch, but produces a different drink entirely)
• Simple Syrup → gum syrup or gomme (adds body and slight grain flavor, less common for Daiquiri)

Storage & make-ahead

Not applicable; Daiquiris must be prepared to order and consumed immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · bar spoon or stirring spoon · jigger or measuring cup · citrus juicer · fine strainer or hawthorne strainer · coupe or cocktail glass (chilled)

What type of rum should I use for a Daiquiri?

Use a light, unaged rum like Bacardí Superior or Bacardí Carta Blanca for the cleanest, most authentic flavor. The rum should be subtle enough to let the lime and syrup shine.

Can I make a Daiquiri without fresh lime juice?

No. Fresh lime juice is essential to the Daiquiri's character. Bottled or concentrate will result in a flat, one-dimensional drink. Fresh lime is non-negotiable.

Should a Daiquiri be shaken or stirred?

Always shake a Daiquiri vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Shaking chills, dilutes, and aerates the drink properly.

What's the difference between a Daiquiri and a Mojito?

A Daiquiri is shaken, smooth, and uses no herbs. A Mojito is mint-forward, built in the glass with muddled mint and club soda, creating a longer, fresher drink.

Can I batch a Daiquiri for a party?

Yes. Mix rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in the correct ratio, chill, and shake with ice in batches before serving. Do not pre-shake the entire batch—it will oxidize.