The Daiquiri: 3 inspired twists on a warm-weather classic (RECIPES)

Dust off your blenders — the season for backyard cocktail entertaining is just around the corner. The centuries-old daiquiri is one of the world’s finest classic cocktails, and my go-to choice for hosting at home. Containing three basic elements — rum, sugar and lime — this classic libation provides the perfect blank canvas for your inner bartender as it easily takes on a variety of flavours (think seasonal fruits!).

To create your perfect daiquiri, start by choosing a light rum that won’t be too overpowering or affect the colour you’re trying to achieve — Havana Club 3 yo Anejo satisfies both of these requirements quite nicely. For sweetness, the best and easiest way to maintain consistency is to create a syrup (see method below). I prefer using raw sugar as it provides a rich flavour, whereas white sugar tends to add sweetness only. Lastly, you’ll need some nice limes, which can really range in price and quality depending on the season. Be sure to look for large unblemished limes with a dark green skin. When you’ve got everything ready to make your daiquiri, use a hand press or juicer to extract the juice. You’ll want it to be as fresh as possible for optimal flavour.

As a rule of thumb, the basic daiquiri recipe includes 2 ounces of spirit, 1 ounce of citrus and 0.5 ounce of sugar syrup (always start with less sugar as it’s easy to add more if you need to). Here are three tried and tested daiquiri recipes to make at home — no fancy bartender tools necessary, just fresh ingredients, a blender and some thirsty friends!

Each recipe yields 2 servings.

1. Honeydew Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Havana Club 3 yo Anejo
• 1 oz. Midori Melon Liqueur
• 2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime
• 1 oz. Sugar Syrup*
• 1 cup Cubed Honeydew
• 8 Standard Size Ice Cubes

Method:

• Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.
• Pour into your favourite cocktail glasses.
• Garnish with a few slices of fresh honeydew.

2. Strawberry Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. Havana Club 3 yo Anejo
• 2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• 1.5 oz. Sugar Syrup*
• 1 cup Fresh Cut Strawberries
• 8 Standard Size Ice Cubes

Method:

• Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.
• Pour into your favourite cocktail glasses.
• Garnish with fresh cut strawberries.

3. Blue Hawaiian

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Havana Club 3 yo Anejo
• 1 oz. Bols Blue Curacao
• 2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• 1 oz. Sugar Syrup*
• 1 cup Fresh Cubed Pineapple
• 8 Standard Size Ice Cubes

Method:

• Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.
• Pour into your favourite cocktail glasses.
• Garnish with pineapple leaves and fresh pineapple.

*Sugar Syrup:

• Dissolve 1 cup of sugar into 1 cup of boiling water.
• Let cool, and bottle. Store in refrigerator for up to four weeks.