Classic Daiquiri (Serves 1)
This drink is a perfect balance of tart, sweet and rum. It requires no embellishments.
Use a good white Cuban-style rum for such a traditional version. You can substitute regular simple syrup if you must, but Demerara adds richness.
To make the rich Demerara syrup, combine 2 cups of Demerara or turbinado sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a brief boil; once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Cool completely before using or storing (in the refrigerator, for up to 2 weeks).
Ice
57g white rum, such as Bacardi Superior
28g ounce fresh lime juice
14g ounce rich Demerara syrup
Chill a cocktail (martini) glass
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the rum, lime juice and Demerara syrup. Seal; shake vigorously for 15 seconds, then strain into the chilled glass; double-strain only if you want to remove the tiny ice shards from the drink. (Some tipplers enjoy them in a daiquiri.)
Adapted from various sources, including Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki by Martin and Rebecca Cate (Ten Speed Press, 2016). It's available for purchase from Loot for R445. Click here to purchase.
The Washington Post