Learn how to craft the perfect Daiquiri with this expert bartender’s guide! From the classic lime and rum combination to fruity frozen variations, we’ll show you pro tips for achieving the ideal balance of sweetness, tartness, and smoothness. Whether you love a classic, strawberry, or frozen daiquiri, this recipe is simple, refreshing, and guaranteed to impress!
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz White Rum (good quality makes a difference!)
- 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and hot water, stirred until dissolved and cooled)
- Lime wedge or wheel, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional, but recommended for a smoother drink)
- Chilled coupe or martini glass
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment.
Make sure you have everything you need laid out before you begin. Fresh lime juice is crucial for a bright and balanced daiquiri.
Step 2: Juice the Lime.
Squeeze 1 ounce of fresh lime juice. This usually takes about one medium-sized lime.
Step 3: Measure the Rum.
Pour 2 ounces of white rum into your cocktail shaker.
Step 4: Measure the Fresh Lime Juice.
Add 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker.
Step 5: Measure the Simple Syrup.
Pour ¾ ounce of simple syrup into the shaker. Adjust the sweetness to your preference if desired.
Step 6: Add Ice to the Shaker.
Fill the cocktail shaker about ¾ full with ice.
Step 7: Secure the Shaker Lid.
Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to avoid any spills during shaking.
Step 8: Shake Vigorously.
Shake well for about 15-20 seconds. You want the shaker to become very cold, indicating that the drink is properly chilled and slightly diluted.
Step 9: Double Strain (Recommended).
Remove the small cap from the shaker lid and place a fine-mesh strainer over your chilled coupe or martini glass. Pour the contents of the shaker through the strainer. This will catch any small ice shards or pulp, resulting in a smoother texture. If you don’t have a fine-mesh strainer, you can simply use the built-in strainer in your shaker lid.
Step 10: Garnish (Optional).
Garnish your daiquiri with a fresh lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the glass.
Step 11: Enjoy!
Sip and savor the perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spirituous flavors of your homemade daiquiri.
Tips for a Perfect Daiquiri:
- Use fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice will lack the bright, vibrant flavor that makes a daiquiri sing.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter or more tart drink, adjust the amount of simple syrup to your taste.
- Chill your glass: Placing your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making your drink will help keep it colder for longer.
- Don’t over-dilute: Shake vigorously but don’t shake for too long, as excessive dilution can weaken the flavors.
- Experiment with rum: Different white rums will have slightly different flavor profiles. Try a few to find your favorite.
Pro Tips
✔ Perfect balance? Taste and adjust sweetness/tartness with more syrup or lime.
✔ No simple syrup? Use 1 tsp granulated sugar + ½ oz water (dissolve first).
✔ Frozen version? Blend with ½ cup crushed ice for a slushy treat.
📊 Nutrition (Per Drink)
Calories: ~160 | Carbs: 10g | Sugar: 8g
🌱 Variations
- Hemingway Daiquiri (Papa Doble): Add ½ oz grapefruit juice + ¼ oz maraschino liqueur.
- Strawberry Daiquiri: Muddle 3 strawberries before shaking.
- Spicy: Infuse rum with jalapeño or add a dash of chili tincture.
Enjoy your delicious classic daiquiri!
