With everything Cuban hitting our shores this summer, throwing a Cuban inspired cocktail evening is a good way to get into the festive spirit Havana style. It’s all about celebration, so don some vibrant colours, put on some Salsa tunes and treat friends to a little taste of Cuba – with rum cocktails - perfectly paired with a hot summer night.
Kresan Naidu, mixologist and rum ambassador for Havana Club Añejo 7Años in South Africa, says his favourite three Cuban cocktails are the Canchanchara, El Presidente and Rum Oldfashioned.
“These are three of the most famous cocktails which I love to make with Cuba’s greatest export - Havana Club 7,” says
Here are the bars across South Africa that serve Authentic Cuban Cocktails:
If you’re not into making your own, visit one of these establishments to experience authentic Cuban cocktails:
Durban
Lucky Shaker
Johannesburg
Sin & Tax
Mootee
Cape Town
Orphanage
House of Machines
Love thy Neighbour
Caprice
Twanky Bar
How to make the Canchanchara
A predecessor of the Daiquiri and a close brother of the Navy Grog, the Canchanchara might very well be the essence of the Cuban cocktail. It has its roots in the fight for independence and is a drink that would have been a quick fix to any ailments suffered in the sugarcane fields, says Naidu. Having a Canchanchara is not only a great cocktail, but a taste of Cuban history.
Ingredients
60 ml Havana Club 7
25 ml Fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons of liquid honey
Method
In a low glass add 1 teaspoon lime juice and 2 teaspoons liquid honey. Stir and mix
Add 50 ML of Havana Club 7. Stir again to completely dilute the honey. Add 6 large ice cubes and stir.
Garnish with a few coffee beans on top.