Easy Classic Daiquiri Recipe Made The Right Way

If you want a cocktail that feels like summer but doesn’t come with a blender or a sugar crash, the Classic Daiquiri is it. Just rum, lime and sugar… that’s the whole story. No drama, no decorations, just a sharp little glass of yes please.

It’s bright and tart with just enough sweetness to smooth it out. The kind of drink that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together even if you made it in flip flops. One shake and it’s like your taste buds just clocked into vacation mode.

No matter if you’re sitting on a balcony or just trying to make your Tuesday feel more like a Saturday, the Classic Daiquiri always delivers. Simple never looked this good.

Why the Classic Daiquiri Still Hits (And Has for Over 100 Years)

The Classic Daiquiri has been around since the early 1900s and it’s still one of the cleanest, easiest drinks out there. It started in Cuba, where hot weather and good rum made this three-ingredient combo a no-brainer. Lime for the tang, sugar for balance and rum to bring it home. That’s it.

It took off quick especially once American bartenders caught on. Even Hemingway was into it… though he ordered his way stronger and without sugar because of course he did.

But here’s the thing. It’s stuck around for a reason. The Daiquiri doesn’t need extras to impress. It’s not frozen, it’s not neon and it doesn’t need fruit chunks to get your attention. Just tart crisp refreshing flavor that hits the second it hits your tongue. It’s got that same easy energy as a Caipirinha but way easier to make.

One sip and you get it. That’s why it’s still everywhere from dive bars to cocktail menus that cost too much. It just works.

How to Make a Classic Daiquiri That Actually Slaps

You don’t need bar-school skills to make a proper Classic Daiquiri. You just need a few solid ingredients and a shake that means business. Here’s how to keep it simple but still nail the flavor.

• Use fresh lime juice: Bottled stuff throws the whole thing off. Squeeze it fresh every time.
• Pick a white rum you’d drink on its own: If it tastes weird in a shot it’ll taste worse in a cocktail.
• Shake it like you mean it: You want it cold with a little froth on top. Lazy shakes don’t cut it.
• Adjust the syrup: Too tart? Add a touch more simple syrup. Too sweet? Ease back. Lime flavor changes so taste and tweak.
• Chill your glass first: Pop it in the freezer or fill with ice water while you mix. Makes a big difference in how crisp it feels.
• Strain it clean: No chunks or weird bits. Just a smooth pour into a cold glass.

That’s it. Nothing fancy. Just a drink that shows up sharp and smooth every time.

What to Eat With a Classic Daiquiri

The Classic Daiquiri is crisp and citrusy so you want food that plays nice with that zing. Think light salty and a little tropical if you’re feelin it.

Ceviche or shrimp cocktail: Bright and tangy just like the drink. They vibe hard together.

Fried plantains or yuca fries: A little salty a little sweet and perfect for soaking up that rum.

Fish tacos with lime crema: Fresh citrusy and easy to eat with a drink in your other hand.

Grilled pineapple or mango salsa: Sweet and charred brings out the lime and makes the whole thing pop.

Cuban sandwich sliders: If you wanna go all in on the theme this one’s salty savory and hits with every sip.

Keep it finger-friendly and let the Daiquiri be the chill citrusy contrast to whatever you’re snacking on.

The Quintessential Classic Daiquiri

The Classic Daiquiri keeps it simple but still shows up dressed to impress. Fresh lime brings that crisp snap, sugar smooths it out and the rum pulls it all together with this mellow richness that just works. Every sip is that perfect sweet-tart balance that hits your palate clean and makes you lowkey wish you made a second one already.

Ingredients

• 2 oz white Cuban rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup (or sugar)
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel or twist for garnish

Zero-proof version: Use fresh lime juice a splash of simple syrup and non-alcoholic white rum or coconut water to keep it light but still fun.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the white rum, fresh lime juice and simple syrup.
2. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice cubes, then shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish: Add a lime wheel or twist on the rim for a touch of elegance.
5. Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Classic Daiquiri immediately!

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 316 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 31g

Classic Daiquiri Variations to Keep It Fresh

Once you’ve got the original down it’s easy to switch it up depending on what you’ve got or what mood you’re in. The Classic Daiquiri is chill like that.

• Strawberry Daiquiri: Blend in fresh strawberries for a fruity twist that still feels bright not syrupy.
• Hemingway Daiquiri: Skip the sugar and add grapefruit juice and a splash of maraschino liqueur if you’re feeling literary.
• Spicy Daiquiri: Muddle a slice of chili in with the lime for a little heat that kicks through the sweet.
• Coconut Daiquiri: Swap white rum for coconut rum and now you’ve got tropical dessert-in-a-glass energy.

Whichever way you spin it the Daiquiri always keeps things bright simple and worth a second round.

Need inspiration for some other Rum based cocktails? Why not try a Pina Colada or a classic Mojito?

To pin for later:

Continue to Content

Yield: 1

Classic Daiquiri

Print

Explore the elegance of rum cocktails with this classic daiquiri recipe. A go-to for rum enthusiasts! Save this for ideas for your next party.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml white Cuban rum
• 30 ml fresh lime juice
• 22 ml simple syrup (or sugar)
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel or twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the white rum, fresh lime juice and simple syrup.
2. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice cubes, then shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish: Add a lime wheel or twist on the rim for a touch of elegance.
5. Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Classic Daiquiri immediately!

Notes

Zero-proof version: Use fresh lime juice a splash of simple syrup and non-alcoholic white rum or coconut water to keep it light but still fun.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 316Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 252mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 17gProtein: 8g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.