Whilst Cuba is undoubtedly renowned for its palm-fringed beaches and rich cultural heritage, it’s also famous for its tropical cocktails – which (in our opinion) only enhance your time spent on this beautiful island.
Cuba has given birth to some of the most popular tipples that grace today’s cocktail menus. Featuring a refreshing blend of ingredients including rum, sugar, lemon juice, liquor, soda, aromatic herbs and ice – these iconic island cocktails are sure to cool things down on a hot day.
Fancy a Mojito while you marvel over the tropical scenery? Or perhaps you want to dance the salsa with an ice-cold Daiquiri in hand? Let’s take a look at some of the most famous Cuban cocktails to sip during your Caribbean escape.
We hope you’re thirsty (and like rum)…
The Mojito
Name a cocktail more iconic than the Cuban Mojito; we’ll wait.
Originating in the lively capital of Havana, the Mojito is a sour sensation sure to provide enough stamina to give the city’s salsa dancers a run for their money. Nobody can really agree on when this popular party-starter was invented, although one urban legend credits Ernest Hemingway for giving the drink its name, after he mispronounced a recipe ingredient “manojito” (mint sprig) as “mojito”. We guess the rest is history…
Ingredients: White rum, sparkling water, sugar, lemon juice, sprig of mint, ice cubes
A great choice for: Rum lovers who can stomach sour flavours
The Daiquiri
Another Ernest Hemingway favourite, the Daiquiri was born in the 20th century near a village of the same name. Rumour has it, the world-famous cocktail was invented in 1896 by an American living and working in Cuba called Jennings Cox, when he ran out of gin for the punch and used rum instead. And since lemons were also unavailable in Cuba, he used limes – and what d’ya know?!
In the 1930s a frozen version of the drink was created by a bartender in one of Havana’s most famous bars, Floridita. Be sure to visit to sample it for yourself.
Ingredients: White rum, citrus juice (usually lime), simple syrup
A great choice for: Citrus lovers looking to cool down from the heat
The Cuba Libre
Cuba’s answer to rum and coke, the Cuba Libre is, well, just that. This simple three-ingredient recipe is a classic example of less is more and has been a popular choice with thirsty locals and tourists since 1990. The name directly translates to “Free Cuba” in Spanish, referencing the country’s newfound independence from Spain after the 1898 Spanish American War. So, there was plenty to celebrate!
Ingredients: White rum, lime, cola
A great choice for: Rum and coke fans
El Presidente
Named in honour of the former Cuban President Gerardo Machado, this 1920s classic is a sophisticated sip that was popular during the President’s reign. It may not be as sought-after as the Mojito or Daiquiri, but it’s boozy and subtly bitter with a citrus orange flavour – making it a hit with locals and tourists looking to unwind after a busy day in the city (or, let’s face it, a chilled day on the sand).
Ingredients: Aged rum, vermouth blanc, orange liqueur (Curaçao), grenadine
A great choice for: Those who prefer bitter, instead of sweet.
Culto a la Vida
Shakers at the ready. Originating from Havana, this cocktail consisting of dark rum, cranberry juice, lime juice, and sugar is typically served on the rocks and makes for a refreshing sundowner – particularly if you’re lounging on one of Cuba’s gorgeous white-sand beaches. Boasting a vibrant red colour, this simple recipe looks just like a Caribbean sunset.
Ingredients: Dark rum, lime juice, cranberry juice, sugar, lime wedge garnish
A great choice for: Those who like their cocktails fruity and full of colour
Bumbo
This classic combination is a big hit with the spice lovers. Tasting similar to a modern-day spiced rum cocktail (watch out Captain Morgan), this popular short drink is on the menu at many of the island’s cocktail bars. Typically made with rum, sugar, water, and nutmeg or cinnamon, this recipe is often mixed up with additional ingredients such as coconut water and tropical fruit juice for a slightly different flavour. Failing that, some people even add a splash more rum.
Ingredients: Dark rum, sugar, water, nutmeg or cinnamon
A great choice for: Those who can handle the heat
Saoco Rum
This traditional drink was put on the map due to the country’s poverty, since it’s made using a handful of cheap and easily sourced ingredients. In fact, this thirst-quencher is said to have been consumed predominantly by Cuban farmers, who often mixed rum with ingredients of the land – such as coconut water. It’s refreshing, it’s tall, it’s still a hit to this very day.
Ingredients: Rum, coconut water – additional ingredients can include lime, honey, sugar
A great choice for: Budget-friendly bounty lovers!
Cubata Gin
It’s hard to believe there’s a cocktail on this list that isn’t made from rum, right? Gin lovers rejoice, as this one’s especially for you. If you need something to put a spring in your step, the caffeinated Cubata Gin cocktail will certainly do the trick. With simple ingredients, this tipple pairs cola with gin and lime to create a delicious, punchy combination – you may wish to experiment with lime juice, but we believe that fresh is best.
Ingredients: Gin, cola, lime
A great choice for: Gin-thusiasts.
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com
