Daiquiri - White Rum Recipe

A bright, crisp fusion of premium white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup that balances tangy citrus notes with subtle sweetness for a refreshing, timeless sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal-clear daiquiri glistens in a frosted coupe glass, captured from a 45-degree angle that highlights its pristine surface. The cocktail catches natural daylight streaming through a window, creating a luminous glow that emphasizes the drink's pale straw color. Droplets of condensation race down the glass, suggesting perfect temperature. A thin lime wheel balances delicately on the rim, its vibrant green providing striking contrast against the pale cocktail. The background features slightly blurred bar tools—a sterling silver cocktail shaker and jigger—suggesting craftsmanship and attention to detail. A sliver of zested lime peel curls artfully beside the glass on a polished wooden surface.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml white rum (preferably aged)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lime juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wheel for garnish</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Chilled coupe or martini glass</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Chill your coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice water or placing it in the freezer for 5 minutes. A properly chilled glass will keep your daiquiri colder for longer and enhance the drinking experience. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Measure and pour 60ml of white rum, 30ml of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 15ml of simple syrup into your cocktail shaker. Fresh lime juice is essential—the bottled variety simply won't achieve the same bright flavor profile. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add ice to your shaker until it's about ¾ full. The ice should be fresh and dry (not wet or starting to melt) to ensure proper dilution. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Seal your shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. The shaker should become frosty on the outside—this indicates your cocktail has reached the perfect temperature (around -5°C). Proper shaking not only chills but aerates the drink, creating a silky texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Empty the ice water from your glass if used. Double-strain the cocktail through your Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass. This removes ice chips and lime pulp, resulting in a beautifully clear drink with a velvety mouthfeel. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Garnish with a thin lime wheel placed delicately on the rim of the glass. For an elegant variation, you could float a small lime wheel on the surface of the drink instead. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Serve immediately while the daiquiri is at its peak temperature and texture. The perfect daiquiri should be bracingly cold with a subtle dilution that allows the rum's character to shine through while being balanced by the sweet-tart elements. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 10 g
🍭 Sugar: 9 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 1 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best white rum for crafting a perfect daiquiri?

The best white rums for a daiquiri are lightly aged expressions with subtle complexity rather than unaged varieties. Look for Havana Club 3, Plantation 3 Stars, Flor de Caña 4, or Bacardí Carta Blanca for the ideal balance of character without overpowering the cocktail.

Why should you double strain when making this classic rum cocktail?

Double straining (using both a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer) removes ice shards and lime pulp, resulting in a silky-smooth texture and crystal-clear appearance. This technique elevates the presentation and mouthfeel, creating a more refined drinking experience.

What's the perfect ratio for balancing sweet and sour in a daiquiri?

The perfect daiquiri ratio follows the classic sour formula: 2:1:½ (spirits:sour:sweet). In practice, that's 60ml rum to 30ml lime juice to 15ml simple syrup. This balanced proportion ensures the cocktail is refreshing rather than cloying or overly tart.

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