The Daiquiri
Simple, elegant, and perfectly balanced, the Classic Daiquiri is one of the world's most iconic rum cocktails. Made with just white rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and simple syrup, this timeless drink proves that great cocktails don't need complicated ingredients. Whether you're learning how to make a Daiquiri or looking to perfect your technique, this recipe delivers a bright, silky, and refreshing cocktail every time.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
2 oz white rum
0.8 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
0.8 oz simple syrup (or 0.5 oz for a drier, more tart Daiquiri)
Ice
Optional: lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions
1. Chill the Glass: Place a coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing the cocktail. A properly chilled glass keeps the Daiquiri perfectly cold from the first sip to the last.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of fresh ice. Add the white rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels ice cold. A strong shake creates the silky texture and ideal dilution that make a classic Daiquiri so refreshing.
4. Double Strain: Double-strain the cocktail through both the built-in shaker strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass. This removes tiny ice shards for a beautifully smooth finish.
5. Serve: Serve immediately. Garnish with a small lime wheel if desired, but the classic Daiquiri is traditionally served without garnish.
Enjoy your classic Daiquiri cocktail.
Notes
Choose a Quality White Rum
A light, clean white rum allows the fresh lime to shine while providing subtle notes of sugar cane and vanilla. Avoid dark or heavily aged rums, which can overpower the delicate balance of the cocktail.
Fresh Lime Juice Is Essential
Always use freshly squeezed lime juice. Fresh citrus creates the bright acidity that defines a great Daiquiri, while bottled lime juice often tastes flat and overly bitter.
Find Your Perfect Balance
The classic Daiquiri ratio creates a bright, balanced cocktail with equal parts sweetness and acidity. If you prefer a drier drink, reduce the simple syrup slightly. If your limes are particularly tart, increase the syrup to taste.
Shake Hard
Unlike spirit-forward stirred cocktails, the Daiquiri depends on a vigorous shake. Proper shaking chills the drink quickly, creates fine dilution, and produces the silky mouthfeel that makes this cocktail so enjoyable.
Skip the Blender
The original Daiquiri is always served straight up in a chilled coupe glass. Frozen blended Daiquiris are a modern variation and a completely different style of drink.
Pro Tips
Chill your coupe glass before serving.
Always use freshly squeezed lime juice.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Double-strain for an ultra-smooth texture.
Taste the mixture before straining and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Why You'll Love This Classic Daiquiri Recipe
Bright, crisp, and perfectly balanced
Ready in just 3 minutes
Made with only three simple ingredients
A timeless Cuban cocktail that's easy to master
Fresh, elegant, and incredibly refreshing