A trip to Cuba cannot go without enjoying the best cocktails in the world. This country is a haven for cocktail lovers, which is not surprising since they say the first cocktail was made in Cuba.
When we say rum, we think – Cuba. This ubiquitous and popular alcoholic beverage is produced from sugar cane, which is grown in over 80 countries around the world. However, it is precisely the cane from the Caribbean, and especially Cuba, that produces the highest quality rum. Why is it like that? The warm climate, the position of Cuba, the soil and other suitable conditions, are conducive to sugarcane growing. Also, since there are many of them, when you buy Cuban rum, you can be sure that it is really made from sugar cane only from Cuba. There are several variations of rum, so black is often used in cooking, while white rum is most often used for cocktails. We suggest a few cocktails that you should not miss during your trip to Cuba.
Mojito – The Most Famous Cuban Cocktail
Ingredients: white rum (Havana Club 3 años), sparkling water, sugar, lemon juice, yerbabuena or mint, ice cubes.
The most widely used cocktail in the world comes from Cuba. There, of course, you can find it on every corner. For complete pleasure, a little secret of the great cocktail masters is to rub lime and mint on the edge of the glass.
El Presidente
Ingredients: white rum, vermouth and orange juice.
During the 1930s, Americans came to Havana to engage in forbidden hobbies such as drinking alcohol. Then they would make a toast to Cuban President Gerard Machado, who “allowed” them to enjoy it. That’s why the cocktail they drank was named El Presidente, and it was a favorite Cuban cocktail for upper-class made with white rum, vermouth and orange juice.
Cuba Libre
Ingredients: Coca Cola, lime, white rum (Havana Club 3 åños).
Cuba Libre is one of the most famous and simple cocktails, and many have already tried it. Still, many forget to add a squeeze of lime to the combination of rum and cola, which gives the cocktail the final sour note that completes it. Be careful when consuming Cuba Libre, because many stray into its drinkable taste, so it is difficult not to want the next one after each sip.
Daiquiri
Ingredients: white rum (Havana Club 3 años), sugar, lemon juice, five drops of maraschino, ice cubes
One of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite drinks, daiquiri was invented in the early 20th century near Daiquir, a small village in eastern Cuba. It was firstly made by an American engineer who worked in a local iron mine. The drink spread not only to the rest of the country, but also to the United States through American soldiers who served in Cuba.
Cubanito
Ingredients: white rum (Havana Club 1 año), lemon juice, tomato juice, spicy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt
Think of this drink as a simplified Bloody Mary. Unlike their neighbors in Mexico and Central America, most Cubans tend not to like spicy food or sauces, so only a few brave people will drink cubanitos.
Canchanchara
Unlike all of the above, this is not a common cocktail on Cuban bar menus, but bartenders will still prepare one for you. It is the oldest of all these traditional drinks; its origin dates back to Cuban wars of independence against Spain, when Cuban fighters drank it hot to keep warm at night. It’s the Cuban version of a Hot Toddy.
These are our favorite Cuban cocktails places in Havana:
