The El Floridita bar in Havana is one of the coolest bars in Cuba. But it also has an incredible 200 years of fascinating history to uncover. From its humble beginnings as a run-down bodega to becoming legendary Ernest Hemmingway’s favourite bar and now being the iconic world-famous and award-winning cocktail bar. Havana’s El Floridita Bar is one of the city’s most well-loved bars and spots. In this article, we will explore this special haunt’s history.
Let’s go back to the beginning
The bar dates all the way back to 1817 when it was first opened under the name ‘La Pina de Plata, which translates to, The silver Pineapple. Popular from the very start, locals flocked to the bar before earning a reputation that attracted commercial travellers and tourists. In 100 years post-opening, it was the most popular bar in the whole of Havana. Due to heavy influence from the bars’ Northern tourists, they convinced the bar owner to change the name to ‘La Floridita’, which it has remained since 1914.
They invented the famous Daiquiri
We’re sure you’ve all heard of a Daiquiri, the delicious mix of rum, lime, sugar and fruit. We’ll it was invented in this very bar! In 1914 a friendly and talented bartender, or cantinero, was working at El Floridita, named Costantino Ribalaigua Vert. He was incredibly well-liked and made a significant impression on the guests, thanks to his experimentation with drink and his funny personality. Eventually, he got the opportunity to buy the bar in 1931.
With his takeover, he wanted to mix things up (literally). And he created a range of rum cocktails, including the famous daiquiri and the frozen daiquiri. This iconic invention gave the bar the nickname ‘La Cuna del daiquiri’, which translates to the cradle of the daiquiri.
And good news travels fast. With the success of the bar and the experimentation drawing in a massive crowd, they decided to turn the bar into a school for the best bartenders. These students were affectionately called Cantineros, where people would travel to learn from the master, Costantino. They were world-famous for serving the best rum cocktails, specialising in fresh fruit juices and rum concoctions. In fact, in 1953, Esquire magazine named it one of the top seven most famous bars in the whole world.
It was Ernest Hemingways favourite bar
The most famous face to have graced the bar was Ernest Hemingway, who became a regular visitor since his first visit in 1932. As well as other big stars across the years like Errol Flynn, Katharine Hepburn, Ava Gardner and Spencer Tracy, to name a few. Ernest Hemingway visited for 20 years to sip on his much-loved daiquiri; even when he moved away, he would travel from his home to the bar. Legend has it that he came up with the idea for his book ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ after many of the run cocktails at the bar.
The Cuban revolution
In the early 60s, the Cuban revolution and the nationalisation of private establishments jeopardised El Floridita. And people thought it could have been the end for the popular bar. But the locals said, ‘there’s something stronger inside these walls.’ The famous bar avoided the politics outside and continued mixing up those cocktails. Although it wasn’t without its rocky moments, due to the embargo, many guests from the US stayed away. But then a new crowd from Canada, South America and Europe discovered it.
Of course, Ernest Hemingway bought a long list of famous faces, and even to this very day, it’s frequented by celebrities like Ben Affleck, Pierce Brosnan, Naomi Campbel and Sean Connery.
What’s it like today?
The bar has retained so much of its character from the 1950s, with plenty of memorabilia on the walls, such as photos and autographs from its star guests. And one of the most prevalent features is the bronze statue of its beloved Ernest Hemingway that still props up the bar.
You can visit to sample some of the most famous rum cocktails in the world in a venue jam-packed with history and stories. Dance along at one of the parties, where live musicians will have you on your feet grooving to traditional and modern Latin American music.
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