Cuban Screw Cocktail Recipe
Cuban Screw Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:28g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Cuban Screw cocktail is a refreshing and tropical twist on the classic Screwdriver cocktail. It is believed to have originated in Cuba, where rum is a staple ingredient in many cocktails. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and tropical flavors, and is often enjoyed on warm summer evenings or at beachside bars.
- The Cuban Screw is a popular choice among rum enthusiasts and those who appreciate the flavors of the Caribbean.
- It is said to have been created during the mid-20th century, when American tourists frequented Cuba and brought back tales of this delicious cocktail.
- The Cuban Screw is often served at beach bars and tropical-themed parties, making it a fun and festive choice for any gathering.
How Cuban Screw Tastes?
The Cuban Screw is a sweet, tangy, and refreshing cocktail with a smooth, fruity flavor. The combination of rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice creates a tropical taste that is both light and satisfying. The addition of grenadine adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful color to the drink.
Interesting facts about Cuban Screw
- The Cuban Screw is sometimes referred to as a 'Tropical Screwdriver' due to its similarities to the classic Screwdriver cocktail.
- The cocktail is often garnished with a slice of orange or pineapple, adding to its tropical appeal.
- The Cuban Screw can be easily customized by adding different fruit juices or flavored rums to create unique and delicious variations.
Ingredients
- White rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Orange juice: 3 oz(90ml)
- Pineapple juice: 3 oz(90ml)
- Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Orange slice: 1
- Pineapple slice: 1
White Rum
- Why 2 oz?: It's the perfect amount to add a little kick without overpowering the sweet fruit juices. Less? It'd be too mild; more? You'd risk mutiny on your taste buds.
- Flavor & Alternatives: It gives a smooth, slightly sweet base. Substitute it with dark rum for a bolder, more caramel-like flavor.
Alex Green
Orange Juice
- Why 3 oz?: It balances the rum and adds a fresh zesty punch. More could make it too tangy, less could make you miss the citrus sunshine.
- Flavor & Essence: It's a vitamin C-loaded blast of freshness that partners beautifully with rum.
Emma Rose
Pineapple Juice
- Why 3 oz?: Gives the cocktail a tropical vibe; less would be a tease, more would be overwhelming.
- Flavor & Impact: Adds a sweet, tart dimension. Without it, you'd miss out on the Hawaiian shirt vibe.
Mary Mitkina
Grenadine
- Why 0.5 oz?: Just enough to sweeten the deal and give that sunset gradient. More would be like a sugar rush, less, and you'd miss the visual flair.
- Flavor & Usage: It's the cherry on top, the sweet finish that makes you go 'ahh'. Without it, it's just not quite a 'screw'.
Alex Green
Ice
- Why 1 cup?: It chills the mix to perfection. More ice could water down the magic, less could leave you lukewarm.
Emma Rose
Orange Slice
- Garnish: Adds a pop of color and a hint of extra citrus aroma. It's like the bow on the present—it just looks prettier with it.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Slice
- Garnish: It's the tropical flag that says 'welcome to the party'. Adds a sweet aroma and completes the theme.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Cuban Screw Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the white rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until the ingredients are well combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a pineapple slice.
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
- Use freshly squeezed orange and pineapple juice for a more authentic and refreshing taste.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Light Appetizers
- Ceviche: The zesty and tropical fruit flavors blend well with the tangy freshness of a classic ceviche.
- Shrimp Cocktail: The citrus notes in the cocktail complement the sweet and briny flavors of the shrimp.
Grilled Seafood
- Grilled Fish Tacos: A perfect accompaniment to the fruity and rum-flavored cocktail.
- Salmon: The richness of grilled salmon works nicely with the refreshing notes of the Cuban Screw.
Spicy Dishes
- Jamaican Jerk Chicken: The sweetness of the cocktail balances the heat of the jerk seasoning.
- Spicy Thai Food: A glass of Cuban Screw can cool down the palate when enjoying spicy Thai dishes.
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What you could change in Cuban Screw
- White rum: Can be substituted with dark rum for a deeper flavor.
- Orange juice: Can be replaced with grapefruit juice for a more tangy taste.
- Pineapple juice: Mango juice can be used as a substitute for a different tropical flavor.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
The Caribbean Breeze
- Ingredients: Use coconut rum instead of white rum.
- Recipe: Follow the original, just swap the rum.
- Taste Change: Adds a creamy, coconut flavor that transports you straight to the beach.
- Why Make It?: For a nuttier twist and a vacation in a glass.
The Sunset Sail
- Ingredients: Add a splash of cranberry juice.
- Recipe: Same as the original, with cranberry juice added after the pineapple juice.
- Taste Change: Introduces a tart edge and deepens the red hue, making it even more sunset-like.
- Why Make It?: To sail away on a slightly tarter sea with an even more dramatic gradient.
The Tipsy Pirate
- Ingredients: Float dark rum on top instead of mixing it.
- Recipe: After pouring the juices, gently pour dark rum over the back of a spoon to float it.
- Taste Change: Creates a bold, toasty layer on the sip—like a pirate's smoky glare.
- Why Make It?: If you enjoy living on the edge with a stronger rum punch.
In case you forgot basics how to make Cuban Screw
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Cuban Screw
What is the best type of rum to use in a Cuban Screw cocktail?
While it ultimately depends on personal preference, a high quality white rum is typically recommended for a Cuban Screw to maintain the light, fruity flavor of the cocktail. Brands like Bacardi Superior are often a good choice.
Can the Cuban Screw cocktail be made as a mocktail?
Yes, the alcoholic component of the Cuban Screw (the rum) can be left out or replaced with a non-alcoholic substitute, such as coconut water or a tropical flavored soda, to create a delicious mocktail.
What are some possible variations of the Cuban Screw cocktail?
Adding other tropical fruit juices like mango or passionfruit can give the Cuban Screw a different flavor profile. Some people also like to add a splash of coconut cream for a richer, creamier cocktail.
Are there any alternative garnishes for the Cuban Screw cocktail?
In addition to or instead of the standard orange and pineapple slices, the Cuban Screw can be garnished with a cherry, a sprig of mint, or even a small umbrella for a fun, tropical touch.
Does the time of day matter when serving the Cuban Screw cocktail?
Although the Cuban Screw can be enjoyed any time, it is typically served during the day or early evening, due to its light, refreshing flavor. It is also particularly popular at beach parties and summer gatherings.
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