Daiquiri Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
July 23, 2025

Image source: Proof & Grain

Prep Time

3 minutes

Servings

1

Glassware

Coupe Glass

Ingredients

2 oz white rum (60 ml)
1 oz fresh lime juice (30 ml)
0.75 oz simple syrup (22 ml)
Ice
Lime wheel or twist, for optional garnish

Tools

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Jigger
Citrus juicer
Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Paring knife or channel knife (for garnish)

Directions

Add white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel or twist if desired.

Mixologist's Notes

Always use fresh lime juice; it makes all the difference.
A dry white rum keeps the drink crisp, while aged rums add richness.
For a drier version, reduce the simple syrup slightly or use a less refined sugar.

Flavor Profile

Bright, citrusy, and lightly sweet, with a tart finish and a clean rum backbone.

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Daiquiri Recipe Poster

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About the Daiquiri cocktail

The Daiquiri is a cocktail that’s been misunderstood for years.

It didn’t start as a frozen, neon slush. The original Daiquiri is a crisp, rum-based sour - as classic as it gets. Its story begins in the late 1800s in the Cuban town of Daiquirí.

American mining engineer Jennings Cox is often credited with the invention, combining local rum with lime and sugar to create something both simple and sublime.

What began as a refreshing drink for sweltering afternoons became a favorite of Ernest Hemingway and a symbol of old-school cocktail elegance.

Why the Daiquiri Deserves Respect

The Daiquiri cocktail recipe is a lesson in balance.

It has just three ingredients - white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup - but when done right, the result is crisp, tart, and lightly sweet. No one flavor dominates. The rum shines through, supported by citrus and just enough sugar to smooth things out.

It’s refreshing, sophisticated, and surprisingly easy to mess up if you're not careful. But get it right, and it's one of the most satisfying drinks around.

Spirit Tweaks and What to Eat With It

Not all Daiquiris are created equal.

Use aged rum for a more complex, molasses-rich version.
Try demerara syrup instead of simple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Add a few drops of Angostura bitters for an aromatic edge.

As for food pairings, the Daiquiri works beautifully with fried seafood, spicy Latin dishes, fresh ceviche, or tangy barbecue. Its citrus acidity and clean finish make it a natural palate cleanser.