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I’ve made this daiquiri recipe so many times I can’t count. It’s crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. With just a few ingredients, this is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make at home.
“It’s so simple, so fresh, and just as good as anything I’ve ordered at a bar!”
-Becky
This classic cocktail is a true example of “less is more.” It delivers a bright citrus flavor, smooth rum, and a whisper of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a party or unwinding after dinner, it’s a five minute drink that will make you feel like you are on vacation.
If you love simple cocktails, try this fun Gummy Bear Shot, Bahama Mama, or this Green Tea Shot. For non-alcoholic drinks, try a fruity Virgin Pina Colada, Shirley Temple, or this old fashioned Roy Rogers.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for a Classic Rum Daiquiri
- white rum – Choose a good-quality rum for a smoother finish.
- fresh lime juice – Freshly squeezed makes all the difference.
- simple syrup – Or substitute with 1 tsp superfine sugar for a more traditional touch.
- Optional: Garnish with a lime wheel or mint leaves.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
- Use grapefruit juice instead of lime for a softer citrus twist.
- Swap simple syrup for honey syrup for another sweetener option.
- Add a few dashes of bitters to add to the flavor.
- For a frozen strawberry daiquiri, add ½–1 cup frozen strawberries with ingredients and extra ice, to a blender.
- For a Frozen Banana Daiquiri, use ½ a ripe banana and extra ice to a blender.
How to Make a Classic Daiquiri
- Pour white rum, lime juice, and either simple syrup or superfine sugar to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy. Strain the drink into a chilled coupe glass or cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Use superfine sugar: If using sugar instead of simple syrup, superfine will blend easier with the lime juice.
- Shake hard: To mix properly, be sure to shake ingredients well.
- Chill your glass: Keep it in the freezer for 30 minutes before making to keep your daiquiri colder longer.
- Use fresh lime juice: Fresh is best, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
Classic Daiquiri FAQs
A classic daiquiri is shaken and strained, while a frozen daiquiri is blended with ice and often has added fruit or sweeteners.
Yes, just increase the simple syrup to 1 ounce or add an extra half teaspoon of superfine sugar until you have the sweetness you want.
Stick with a white rum that’s clean and smooth. Avoid heavily spiced or flavored rums, which can overpower the lime and other flavors.
More Drink Recipes
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This recipe is intended for adults 21 and over, when alcohol is added. Please drink responsibly and follow the legal drinking age in your country or region.
Daiquiri
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- coupe or cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
Optional: Garnish with a lime wheel or mint leaves.
Instructions
- Pour white rum, lime juice, and either simple syrup or superfine sugar to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy.
- Strain the drink into a chilled coupe glass or cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use superfine sugar: If using sugar instead of simple syrup, superfine will blend easier with the lime juice.
- Shake hard: To mix properly, be sure to shake ingredients well.
- Chill your glass: Keep it in the freezer for 30 minutes before making to keep your daiquiri colder longer.
- Use fresh lime juice: Fresh is best, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is such a simple, refreshing drink!