La Floridita Cocktail Recipe

La Floridita, also known as the Hemingway Daiquiri, is a classic cocktail originating from the famous La Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba. This bar was a favorite of author Ernest Hemingway, who loved the refreshing taste of this cocktail. The drink was created in the 1930s by bartender Constantino Ribalaigua Vert and has since become a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts.

• The La Floridita bar was opened in 1817 and is still in operation today
• Ernest Hemingway was a regular at the bar and even had a bronze statue made of him sitting at his favorite spot
• The cocktail was originally called the 'E. Henmiway Special' after the famous author

La Floridita has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of rum, lime juice, and maraschino liqueur creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both strong and light at the same time.

• The La Floridita cocktail is also known as the Hemingway Daiquiri, named after the famous author who frequented the bar
• The original recipe called for grapefruit juice, but it has since been replaced with lime juice for a more balanced flavor
• The maraschino liqueur used in the cocktail is made from Marasca cherries, which gives the drink its unique sweetness

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Add the white rum, lime juice, maraschino liqueur, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice (if using) to the shaker
3. Shake well until chilled and combined
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
5. Garnish with a cherry and lime wheel

• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice can't compare.
• Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail into it. This will keep your drink cooler for longer.
• If you don't have maraschino liqueur, you can use a cherry-flavored liqueur instead.

Seafood

• Shrimp Ceviche: The citrus notes of the cocktail will enhance the lime-marinated shrimp.
• Grilled Octopus: A slight char on the octopus will complement the smoky notes that white rum can sometimes bring to the table.

Spicy Dishes

• Jamaican Jerk Chicken: The heat from the chicken will be cooled by the cocktail’s lime and grapefruit juices.

Light Salads

• Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: The peppery leaves mingled with a citrus dressing will echo the flavors in La Floridita.

Desserts

• Key Lime Pie: The tartness of the pie will be an excellent companion for the sweet and sour flavors of the cocktail.

• White rum: You can use any light rum. If you want a stronger flavor, you can use dark rum.
• Maraschino liqueur: If you don't have this, you can use a cherry-flavored liqueur or cherry brandy.
• Simple syrup: You can make your own by dissolving sugar in water, or use agave syrup or honey.

Smoky Floridita

• Replace White Rum with Mezcal: Swap out the light white rum for mezcal to introduce a smoky note.
• Use agave syrup instead of simple syrup: Adds a touch that pairs well with the mezcal.
• Add a pinch of salt: Enhances the smoky flavor.
• Serve over a large ice cube in a rocks glass: Changes the dilution rate, making the drink last longer.

This twist adds a smokiness that elevates the cocktail from beachy to bonfire. Perfect for those who want to bring a little edge to their sip.

Spicy Floridita

• Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker: For those who love a spicy kick.
• Rim the glass with chili salt: A spicy greeting before the sweet citrus hits your taste buds.

This variation turns up the heat and is great for anyone looking to spice up their cocktail experience. It's zesty, it's tangy, it's a party in a glass!

Berry Floridita

• Substitute maraschino liqueur with blackberry liqueur: Introduce a berry sweetness to the mix.
• Muddle fresh berries before shaking: For a fresh fruit explosion.

Replacing the maraschino liqueur with blackberry liqueur gives this drink a summery berry twist. Best enjoyed on a warm evening as you pretend you're on vacation.