Havana, the capital city of Cuba, is famous for its rich culture, lively music, and delicious cuisine. But what truly sets Havana apart is its iconic cocktails.
These drinks are a celebration of the city's history and its people's love for fine spirits. Havana cocktails are a treat for the senses, a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savoury flavours that transport you to the heart of Cuba.
The origins of Havana cocktails date back to the 19th century, when the city was a bustling hub of trade and commerce. Wealthy merchants and traders would gather in the city's elegant bars and cafes to enjoy a drink, socialize, and discuss business.
It was during this time that some of the most famous cocktails in the world were invented, including the Mojito, Daiquiri, and Cuba Libre.
Today, Havana cocktails are still as popular as ever, and bartenders around the world strive to recreate the authentic taste of these classic drinks. Whether you're at a fancy cocktail bar, a beachside cafe, or a street-side stall, you're sure to find a Havana cocktail that suits your taste.
From the refreshing sweetness of a Mojito to the tangy kick of a Daiquiri, Havana cocktails are the perfect way to unwind, relax, and enjoy the taste of Cuba.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best Havana cocktail recipes, their history, and the techniques used to create them.
We'll also share tips on how to make the perfect Havana cocktail at home, so you can impress your friends and family with your bartending skills. So, grab a glass, pour yourself a drink, and let's explore the world of Havana cocktails together!
1. Havana Club Cocktail
The Havana Club Cocktail is a rum-based drink that uses Havana Club Rum, Ole Nassau Coconut Rum, Nassau Royale Liqueur, and Blue Curacao. It has a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a tropical twist from the coconut rum and liqueur.
The Blue Curacao gives it a beautiful blue hue, making it a fun and exciting drink to try. The cocktail is garnished with pirate lore, adding to the adventurous spirit of the drink.
2. Havana Cocktail
The Havana Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make rum cocktail that is perfect for warm weather. Made with white rum, lime, simple syrup, and a splash of orange juice, this cocktail is light and summery. The sweet and subtle flavor of the white rum works perfectly with the citrusy notes of lime and orange juice.
The Havana Cocktail is a great choice for those who want a simple and delicious cocktail that can be made with just a few basic ingredients. It's a must-try for anyone who loves rum-based cocktails and wants to experience the taste of Havana in a glass.
3. Hotel Nacional Cocktail
The Hotel Nacional Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that has become a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. Made with white rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup, this cocktail is a perfect summer drink. The cocktail was invented at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, which was a popular destination for celebrities and luminaries in the early 20th century.
The drink has a subtle and light flavor that appeals to both hardcore rum drinkers and those who prefer a more frivolous cocktail. If you're looking for a refreshing and delicious drink to enjoy on a hot summer day, the Hotel Nacional Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
4. El Presidente Cocktail
The El Presidente Cocktail is a Cuban classic that is often overlooked in favor of more popular drinks like the mojito or daiquiri. However, this sophisticated and boozy cocktail is definitely worth trying. Made with aged rum, vermouth blanc, orange liqueur, and grenadine, the El Presidente has a unique flavor profile that is both subtly bitter and sweet with a citrus nuance.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping slowly and enjoying the complex flavors that come together in each sip. If you're looking for a new Havana Cocktail to add to your repertoire, the El Presidente is definitely one to try.
5. Old Cuban Cocktail
The Old Cuban Cocktail is a modern classic invented by Audrey Saunders, a famous New York bartender. It's a combination of two classics, the Mojito and the French 75, and is made with aged rum, mint, lime juice, simple syrup, and champagne.
This cocktail is sweet, tart, bubbly, and refreshing, with complex flavors from the aged rum. It's perfect for impressing guests and works as a festive and fun cocktail.
6. Cuba Libre Cocktail
The Cuba Libre Cocktail is a classic rum and Coke with a twist of lime that has a fascinating history behind it. This iconic Cuban cocktail is believed to be a toast to the country's independence and is a popular drink among travelers in Latin America. The traditional recipe includes muddling the skin of the lime in the bottom of the glass, which adds a bitter and aromatic flavor to the drink.
While the exact details of its origin are unclear, one thing is for sure, the Cuba Libre Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves rum and Coke. So, if you're looking for a refreshing and complex cocktail that will transport you to sunny days and humid nights, the Cuba Libre Cocktail is the perfect choice.
7. Classic Mojito
The Classic Mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail that has become a worldwide favorite. Its origins are unclear, but the recipe has been perfected over time. This iconic drink is made with fresh mint, lime juice, rum, and a touch of sweetness. The cocktail is topped off with club soda for a bubbly finish.
The balance of flavors is what makes the Classic Mojito so special. It's not too sweet, but just sweet enough to be tart and refreshing. The cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or dreaming of a tropical escape in the dead of winter. If you're looking for a classic Havana Cocktail that's sure to impress, the Classic Mojito is a must-try.
8. Cuban Old Fashioned
The Cuban Old Fashioned is a unique twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail. Made with Cuban coffee, bitters, and bourbon, this cocktail packs a caffeine kick that is sure to impress coffee lovers.
The addition of citrus rind adds a refreshing twist to the bold and nutty flavors of the bourbon and espresso simple syrup. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a strong and flavorful drink. Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or a coffee lover, the Cuban Old Fashioned is a must-try Havana cocktail.
9. Blueberry Pineapple Mojito
The Blueberry Pineapple Mojito is a refreshing and fruity twist on the classic mojito cocktail. This tropical drink is perfect for hot weather and lounging by the pool. The cocktail combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh pineapple and blueberries with the coolness of mint and the kick of white rum.
The muddled blueberries, pineapple, and mint create a sweet and fruity tropical mix that smooths out the rough edge of the rum. This cocktail is a great way to cool down on a hot day and is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
10. The Hemingway Daiquiri
The Hemingway Daiquiri is a refreshing and zesty cocktail that was originally created for the famous writer, Ernest Hemingway. This cocktail is a variation of the classic daiquiri, with added grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur.
Despite the addition of these ingredients, the Hemingway Daiquiri remains perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. It is a great choice for those who want a little more complexity in their daiquiri without sacrificing its refreshing nature. This cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day and is sure to impress any guest.
11. Guava Mojito
The Guava Mojito is a refreshing and tropical twist on the classic Cuban drink. Made with white rum, lime juice, fresh mint, guava nectar, and simple syrup, this cocktail is bursting with fruity flavors that transport you to a sunny paradise.
The beautiful pink color of the drink is a feast for the eyes and the aroma of fresh mint is invigorating. This cocktail is perfect for sipping by the pool on a hot summer day, or for enjoying any time you want to escape to a tropical paradise. The Guava Mojito is a must-try for anyone who loves a refreshing and fruity cocktail.
12. Mojito Elderflower Cocktail
The Mojito Elderflower Cocktail is a refreshing and zingy twist on the classic Cuban rum cocktail. With the addition of St Germain, a liquor made from elderflower blossoms, this cocktail has fruity and floral flavors that perfectly complement the lime and mint in the traditional mojito.
The use of Havana Club amber rum adds a sweeter and richer flavor to the drink, making it a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with new flavors and want to try something different from the usual mojito. If you're a fan of elderflower in your cocktails, this drink is a must-try.
13. Champagne Mojito
The Champagne Mojito is a bubbly twist on the classic mojito cocktail. Made with fresh limes, mint, simple syrup, rum, and champagne, this cocktail is a refreshing and zesty treat for the taste buds.
The addition of champagne adds a delightful fizz to the drink, making it a perfect choice for those who love bubbly cocktails. Overall, the Champagne Mojito is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is sure to be a hit at any celebration or gathering.
14. Strawberry Mojito
The Strawberry Mojito is a perfect summer cocktail that combines the classic mojito recipe with delicious strawberries. This refreshing drink is the perfect choice for those who love the taste of mint, rum, and lime juice. The light rum used in this easy mojito recipe makes it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a drink without being overwhelmed by the alcohol.
The Strawberry Mojito is a fun twist on the classic mojito recipe and is perfect for sipping on the patio during warm weather. This cocktail is easy to make and is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. If you're looking for a refreshing and delicious cocktail to enjoy this summer, the Strawberry Mojito is definitely worth trying.
15. Cuban Peach Cocktail
The Cuban Peach Cocktail is a refreshing and light drink that is perfect for a hot summer day. Made with fresh peaches and simple syrup, this cocktail is easy to make and can be garnished with a slice of peach.
While fresh peaches are recommended, frozen peaches can also be used. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves peaches and is looking for a new and exciting Havana Cocktail recipe.
