Cuban cocktails bring an instant good mood. Rum, lime, mint, and a little sweetness make everything feel lighter. The best recipes stay refreshing, not heavy. They’re also easy to batch for friends. Grab the full must-try Cuban cocktail list in the article.
Mojito
The Mojito is a well-loved Cuban cocktail. It’s known for its refreshing flavors and vibrant presentation. You get a combination of mint, lime, rum, sugar, and soda water.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle Mint and Sugar: In a glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with sugar to release the mint’s oils.
- Add Lime and Rum: Pour in lime juice and rum. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add Ice and Soda: Fill the glass with ice cubes. Top with club soda.
- Garnish: Use a lime wedge and mint sprig for a decorative touch.
Each sip of a Mojito brings a burst of cool mint and zesty lime. You may opt to adjust the sugar or lime to taste. Use fresh ingredients for the best experience. It’s the ideal drink to enjoy on a warm day.
Daiquiri
A Daiquiri is a classic Cuban cocktail. It’s a timeless favorite known for its simplicity and refreshing taste.
To make a traditional Daiquiri, you only need three ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
Combine these in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 20-30 seconds. Then strain it into a chilled glass.
There are delightful variations to explore. Try the Coconut Daiquiri:
- 2 oz rum
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 1 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
For this version, mix all in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Serve it in a glass, preferably garnished with a lime wheel.
Another variant is the Hemingway Daiquiri:
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz grapefruit juice
Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. This drink, often associated with the famous author, is more complex and slightly tart.
Experimenting with these options lets you enjoy the different nuances of a Daiquiri. Whether enjoyed on a hot day or at a gathering, it remains a popular choice worldwide.
Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre is a beloved Cuban cocktail with a rich history. It’s a simple yet iconic drink that combines rum, cola, and fresh lime juice. The name “Cuba Libre” translates to “Free Cuba,” referencing the country’s fight for independence.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces light rum
- 4 ounces cola
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add lime juice to a highball glass.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the rum over the ice.
- Top the drink with cola.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Enjoy the balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The lime juice adds a refreshing twist to the sweetness of the cola and the boldness of the rum. For an authentic experience, use Cuban rum.
This drink’s origins are tied to the Spanish-American War and are part of Cuba’s cultural legacy. Perfect for casual gatherings or a moment of relaxation.
Hemingway Daiquiri
The Hemingway Daiquiri is a classic Cuban cocktail. Named after the famous author, Ernest Hemingway. He frequently visited Havana. This drink has a delightful balance of sweet and sour.
Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz maraschino liqueur
- Optional: ¼ oz simple syrup (for added sweetness)
Instructions
Prepare your glass: Chill a cocktail glass with ice water or in the freezer.
Mix the ingredients:
- Combine rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur in a shaker.
- Add simple syrup if you like a sweeter taste.
Shake vigorously:
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
Strain and serve:
- Remove ice water from the glass.
- Pour the strained cocktail into the glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Add a lime wedge for a classic touch. Serve immediately.
This cocktail offers a tart and refreshing experience. The combination of citrus and cherry flavor from the liqueur adds depth. Enjoy the taste of Cuba with every sip.
El Presidente
The El Presidente cocktail is a classic Cuban drink. It’s rich in history and flavor. You can enjoy this refreshing beverage made from rum and vermouth.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz aged rum
- ¾ oz blanc vermouth
- ¼ oz orange curaçao
- ¼ oz grenadine
To make El Presidente, follow these simple steps. Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add all ingredients. Stir until cold.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Historical context adds charm to this cocktail. Named after Cuban presidents, El Presidente became popular during Prohibition. Visitors to Havana enjoyed its unique taste.
Its distinct flavor comes from high-quality ingredients. Blanc vermouth and aged rum complement each other. Orange curaçao and grenadine add sweetness and color.
Enjoy El Presidente on special occasions or a relaxing evening. Its smooth texture and delightful aroma make it a favorite. Classic Cuban cocktails like this one offer a taste of history.
Cubanito
The Cubanito cocktail is a delightful blend of flavors. It’s a Cuban twist on a Bloody Mary, offering a unique taste experience. This drink is refreshing and satisfying, combining rum with savory ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz white rum
- 4 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- A dash of hot sauce
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Combine the white rum, tomato juice, and lemon juice in a shaker.
- Add hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to taste.
- Shake the mixture until well combined.
- Pour into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or celery stick if desired.
Cubanitos are typically not too spicy. If you prefer more heat, ask for extra hot sauce. The combination of rum and savory ingredients offers a distinctive taste that sets it apart from similar cocktails.
Ideal for any time of day, this cocktail is a must-try when exploring Cuban drinks. Its simplicity and unique flavor make the Cubanito a memorable choice.
Canchánchara
The Canchánchara is a classic Cuban cocktail. It’s known for its refreshing taste and historical roots. This drink predates many other famous Cuban cocktails. It was originally crafted by mambises, Cuban independence fighters, to warm themselves and fight illness.
You will enjoy the Canchánchara for its simple, yet delightful mix. It combines rum, lime, and honey syrup, balancing sweet and sour perfectly. Making it at home is easy and requires few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gold rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and hot water)
- Ice cubes
- Club soda (optional)
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the rum, lime juice, and honey syrup to a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a clay or glass mug filled with fresh ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda if desired.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
By following these steps, you’ll create an authentic Canchánchara. It’s both invigorating and steeped in history. Enjoy your taste of Cuba with every sip.
Saoco
Saoco is a refreshing Cuban cocktail. It is known for its simplicity and tropical flavors. Traditionally, Cuban farmers made it as a quick thirst-quencher.
To create Saoco, you need just a few ingredients. It combines rum, coconut water, and lime juice. These ingredients make it a light and refreshing drink.
Here is a quick guide to making Saoco:
- 1½ ounces silver rum
- 3 ounces coconut water
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
Instructions:
- Mix the rum, coconut water, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir the mixture well.
- Pour over ice and enjoy.
The Saoco is best with Havana Club 3 Rum. It provides a smooth base. A swizzle stick, such as a bois-le-le from Martinique, can enhance the mixing.
This cocktail holds historical significance in Cuba. It has roots in the Afro-Cuban community. The name Saoco is believed to have African origins.
Experience a slice of Cuban history in every sip. Enjoy Saoco on a sunny beach, just like in Cuba.
Ron Collins
The Ron Collins is a Cuban twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. This drink swaps out gin for rum, creating a refreshing tropical flavor.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml light rum (Havana Club Añejo 3 Años recommended)
- 25 ml lime juice
- 20 ml sugar syrup
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup.
- Stir well to combine.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or mint leaves.
This cocktail is ideal for warm evenings and gatherings. Enjoy the blend of sweet, sour, and fizzy notes.
Mulata
The Mulata is a delightful Cuban cocktail with rich flavors. You can make it by using a combination of rum and chocolate liqueur, creating a unique treat. This cocktail adds depth to the traditional daiquiri with its delicious ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Cuban rum
- 0.5 oz white cacao liqueur
- 0.5 oz dark cacao liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add rum, cacao liqueurs, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
The Mulata cocktail is known for its smooth texture and balance of flavors. The cacao liqueurs provide a hint of sweetness combined with the tartness of lime.
Cuban Mule
The Cuban Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It substitutes the traditional vodka with Cuban rum, enhancing its tropical vibe. This refreshing cocktail perfectly blends rum’s richness with the zingy taste of ginger beer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cuban rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 6 oz ginger beer
- Mint sprig for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add rum and lime juice to a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top it off with ginger beer.
- Stir gently to mix the flavors.
- Garnish with a mint sprig to add aroma.
This drink is best served in a copper mug to maintain its coolness and enhance the experience. The combination of spicy ginger beer and smooth rum offers a unique taste that sets the Cuban Mule apart.
El Nacional
El Nacional is a well-known Cuban cocktail linked to the famous Hotel Nacional de Cuba. This drink has a long-standing reputation and is a favorite among many.
The drink combines the following ingredients:
- Light rum: 2 ounces
- Apricot liqueur: 0.5 ounces
- Pineapple juice: 1 ounce
- Lime juice: 0.5 ounces
- Simple syrup: 0.5 ounces
To prepare El Nacional:
- Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
El Nacional’s charm lies in its tropical and refreshing taste. The combination of rum, fruit juices, and apricot tones ensures a unique flavor profile. This cocktail is perfect for warm evenings or social gatherings.
Hotel Nacional Special
The Hotel Nacional Special is a celebrated Cuban cocktail. Originating in the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, it reflects the lush vibe of Havana in the 1930s. This drink is loved for its tropical and citrusy blend.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light gold rum
- 0.5 oz apricot brandy liqueur
- 0.75 oz fresh pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Add rum, apricot liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel if desired.
Havana Loco
Havana Loco is an exciting twist on a classic cocktail. It’s inspired by the Screwdriver but infused with Cuban flair. Imagine a refreshing blend that’s both sweet and tangy.
To make a Havana Loco, gather these ingredients:
- 30 ml White Rum
- 15 ml Lime Juice
- 15 ml Simple Syrup
- Orange Juice (to top up)
- Orange twist or wedge (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Follow these steps:
- Fill your glass halfway with ice cubes.
- Combine white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup over the ice.
- Top up with orange juice.
- Stir gently to mix the flavors.
- Garnish with an orange twist or wedge.
Enjoy your Havana Loco. Its vibrant flavor notes from lime juice and orange juice invigorate your senses. Include top-quality rum for the best results. Feel free to adjust the sweetness through the simple syrup or orange garnish for a personalized twist.
