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Top 9 Cuban Cocktails to Try

Let’s talk about Cuban cocktails, the stars of our menu that bring Cuba’s heart right to your table. You start with the mojito, a fresh mix of rum, mint, and lime, perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Then, there’s the daiquiri, rum blended with lime juice and sugar, simple yet irresistibly smooth. Each drink shares a story, a sip of Cuba’s rich culture and vibrant life. They’re not just drinks; they’re a celebration of flavor and tradition that you shouldn’t miss. Check out our full roundup for a real taste of Cuba.

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Classic Mojito

classic mojito cocktail on a table in the sun

One of the most recognizable and well-liked Cuban cocktails is the classic mojito. White rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, and club soda are combined to create this delicious and refreshing concoction of sweet and tart flavors, which also has a light rum sting. Cubans and tourists love the mojito. The cocktail’s simplicity and adaptability make it popular on hot summer days and with substantial meals.


Classic Daiquiri

Classic Lime Daiquiri Cocktail with a Garnish

The Daiquiri, a popular cocktail that dates back to the late 19th century, got its start in the hopping bars of Havana, Cuba, and has since spread throughout the world. This classic concoction is a harmonious blend of sour, sweet, and tangy flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds. Any cocktail connoisseur wishing to sample the best of Cuban mixology must taste the Classic Daiquiri, whether they’re sipping it on a balmy Caribbean evening or taking it as a classy aperitif.


Cuba Libre

cuba libre rum and coke

A Cuba Libre is a delicious and traditional Cuban drink made with white rum, lime juice, and the strong flavors of cola. The robust and deep sweetness of the cola is the perfect contrast to the white rum’s fresh, light flavor. The lime wedge offers a sharp blast of acidity that balances the tastes and gives the dish a crisp finish. The Cuba Libre is an all-around tasty and simple-to-make beverage that is appropriate for any occasion.


Hemingway Daiquiri

Hemingway Daiquiri

The Hemingway Daiquiri, often referred to as the Papa Doble, is a distinctive and delectable Cuban beverage that honors the celebrated American author Ernest Hemingway, who was rumored to frequent the bars of Havana. In addition to the white rum’s smooth and strong undertone, the lime and grapefruit juices create a zesty and acidic flavor profile. Maraschino liqueur gives the beverage depth and intricacy. The taste of the Hemingway Daiquiri is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors.


El Presidente Cocktail

El Presidente Cocktail
source: menstyleguide.co.uk

A traditional Cuban drink with a rich and nuanced flavor profile, the El Presidente drink is a favorite among many cocktail connoisseurs. El Presidente has a fruity, sweet flavor with undertones of orange and a slightly harsh aftertaste. El Presidente is a representation of Cuba’s thriving cocktail culture and has a long history. This beverage is a must-try for everyone who values a perfectly constructed and tasty beverage, whether you’re enjoying it in Havana or at home.


Cojito

Cojito
source: food.com

The flavors of the Cojito are the ideal balance of sweet and sour, with a cool minty bite. Whether you’re sipping it by the beach or at a summer celebration, this cocktail is guaranteed to dazzle your guests. This drink is a twist on the traditional mojito that incorporates a tropical flair by using Malibu rum, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and freshly squeezed lime juice. The combination of these flavors creates a harmonious and well-rounded taste that is both refreshing and satisfying.


Old Cuban Cocktail

Old Cuban Cocktail
source: bacardi.com

The Old Cuban Cocktail is a famous Cuban drink that has become popular with cocktail fans all over the world because it is classy and well-made. The taste of this cocktail is a delicate mix of sweet, bitter, and fresh. This drink is very popular because it has a unique mix of flavors and uses high-quality ingredients. When you mix expensive rum, Prosecco, and other carefully chosen ingredients, you get a very delicate and refined flavor that will impress even the most discerning taste buds.


Canchanchara

Canchanchara
source: cocktail-society.com

One of Cuba’s first known cocktails, the canchanchara, is thought to have been invented in the 19th century, during the country’s War of Independence. Due to its simplicity of preparation and ability to provide soldiers with the energy they needed to battle, the beverage quickly became popular with the troops. The use of fresh, natural ingredients that are readily available in rural Cuba and the drink’s simplicity are the keys to its appeal.


Cuban Manhattan Cocktail

Cuban Manhattan Cocktail
source: hostessatheart.com

The rich tastes of rum and cherry are combined in the beautifully balanced Cuban Manhattan, a pleasant variation on the traditional Manhattan cocktail. With the different tastes of the aged rums and the acidity of the bada cherry juice, the Cuban Manhattan has a unique flavor that combines sweet and bitter. The bada cherry placed on top gives the beverage an additional taste boost and an extra touch of class.


A refreshing Classic Daiquiri in a tropical outdoor setting. The cocktail is elegantly served in a traditional coupe glass, displaying a clear, light citrus color. It's garnished with a thin lime wheel, adding a touch of simplicity and elegance. The glass rests on a rustic wooden table, set against a backdrop of a serene beach with white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant green palm trees. The sun sets in the background, casting a warm, golden glow over the scene, creating a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere. The focus is on the crisp, clean appearance of the Classic Daiquiri, embodying the essence of a tropical paradise and relaxation.

9 Cuban Cocktail Recipes

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.5 from 4 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Cuban
Keyword: Cuban Cocktails
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Explore our Cuban cocktail roundup to enjoy a taste of Cuba's rich culture and vibrant flavors. Discover your new favorite today!

Instructions

  • Pick your favorite recipe
  • Gather all the needed ingredients
  • Prep a cuban cocktail in less than 5 minutes
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!
Top 9 Cuban Cocktails to Try
Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
4.50 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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A timeless and elegant Classic Manhattan cocktail, served in a traditional martini glass on a polished wooden bar surface. The cocktail is a deep amber color, perfectly clear, reflecting the blend of whiskey and vermouth. It's garnished with a cherry on a small skewer, resting across the rim of the glass. The background features a classic bar setting, with a sophisticated ambiance, dim lighting, and shelves of premium spirits in the background. The focus is on the drink, highlighting its refined and classic appearance, set against the backdrop of a luxurious and traditional bar atmosphere.

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A classic and sophisticated Dry Martini, presented in a sleek martini glass on a glossy bar counter. The cocktail is crystal clear, showcasing the purity and simplicity of the drink. It's garnished with a single green olive on a toothpick, placed delicately in the glass. The background is an upscale bar environment, with a modern and elegant design, featuring subtle lighting that enhances the glassware and the reflective surfaces of the bar. The focus is on the martini, emphasizing its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, embodying the essence of a classic cocktail in a contemporary setting.

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