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Ok, kids. Figured that every Friday would be perfect timing for a little Happy Hour cocktail segment. So look forward to a post every Friday celebrating a few of my favorite classic cocktails.
As the weather starts to brighten up and spring takes over Kansas City, I thought it was perfect time for one of my favorite warm-weather classic: the Daiquiri.
First off, let’s set the record straight. An original Daiquiri isn’t frozen. It isn’t fruity, either. And I certainly wouldn’t serve the thing with a parasol. It’s an easy recipe that, like so many other classics, is still so easy to screw up royally.
Things you’ll need:
White rum: I love Appleton (from Jamaica), Don Q (from Puerto Rico), or Mount Gay (from Barbados); but when it comes down to it, it’s your cocktail at the end of the day, so make it with what you will.
Sugar: superfine white sugar typically works best. Because it’s a finer grain, it emulsifies easier in cocktails. And if you can’t get your hands on the stuff, making a 1:1 simple syrup with your typical granulated white sugar will work just fine. I prefer the superfine sugar because it tends to lend the cocktail a sherbet-like quality that isn’t the same with simple syrup.
Limes: always pick smaller limes that aren’t too firm. If you squeeze them in your hand, they should feel juicy, not like a golf ball.
Tools: 3-piece shaker or Boston shaker set. Hawthorne strainer (the one with the bunny ears). Hand juicer. Cocktail spoon. Jigger.
Ok, we’ve got all we need to mix us a Daiquiri. The recipe is simple:
2oz white rum
2 barspoons superfine sugar (or 1oz simple syrup)
1oz fresh squeezed lime juice
Combine lime juice and sugar in your mixing glass or 3 piece shaker. Stir together until sugar starts to emulsify. Add rum and fill with ice. Cap and shake well for at least ten seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass or serve over crushed ice or cubes.
Always remember: these recipes aren’t set in stone. Feel free to tweak them to your personal tastes. All these recipes will be geared towards my personal tastes, because, well, this is my blog.
Hope you enjoy as much as I do. I love how simple, bright, and refreshing this old Cuban beauty is. And as the weather warms up, this puppies are perfect on the deck. And considering you only need a few things to make this happen and relatively easy cleanup, they are great poolside.