Despite what beach bars and Hollywood films have been telling us for years, a classic Daiquiri is shaken, not blended. And far from being pink and sickly sweet, this light and simple drink is actually made only with rum, lime, and simple syrup.
Of course, with a recipe this simple, the Daiquiri is practically made for riffing. With its bright, summery taste, this cocktail can be completely transformed with the addition of just a few flavors.
Awaken your inner home bartender with 10 of our favorite takes on the Daiquiri below.
The Perfect Port Daiquiri
Anyone who says there’s no such thing as perfect has clearly never tasted this Daiquiri variant. Floral white port intertwines with rosé port’s berry sweetness in this airy recipe — and egg white gives this drink its fluffy, creamy texture.
Grapefruit Daiquiri Recipe
Step aside, rosé, there’s a new pink drink in town. This Daiquiri variation combines the bright flavor of grapefruit with the sweetness of agave syrup. The result? A refreshing drink perfect for poolside lounging.
The Pineapple Daiquiri Recipe
This cocktail features all the fresh flavors of a Daiquiri, and adds pineapple for a tropical tang. Sip and be transported to a sunny paradise.
The Rosemary and Honey Daiquiri Recipe
Sub simple syrup for honey in this wintry take on the Daiquiri. This recipe combines the flavors of rosemary and dark rum for a seasonal drink that will make you miss the snowy weather.
The Chartreuse Daiquiri Recipe
Green Chartreuse and honey water give this riff pronounced herbal flavors, complementing its base of rhum agricole and notes of lime. This bright, earthy cocktail is sure to make your friends green with envy.
The Armagnac Daiquiri Recipe
Armagnac’s earthy flavor meshes flawlessly with grapefruit juice and Maraschino liqueur in this rich, flavorful recipe. We recommend garnishing this cocktail with an edible flower and sipping in the nearest garden.
The Butterfly Daiquiri Recipe
This drink is magic. No, seriously. Mix butterfly pea bitters with lime juice and watch with wonder as this drink’s hue turns from blue to lavender.
The Dashing Daiquiri Recipe
This frothy, citrusy Daiquiri will stimulate your taste buds. The mixture of grapefruit juice, lime juice, egg whites, and bitters gives this cocktail a unique flavor profile and satisfying mouthfeel.
The Autumnal Daiquiri Recipe
This cocktail tastes more like fall than a pumpkin spice latte. Calvados — a brandy made from apples and pears — replaces rum in this festive take. And the combinations of honey syrup, aromatic bitters, and lime juice also accentuate the apple flavors of this drink.
The Rosé Port Daiquiri Recipe
Rosé port replaces rum in this light and sessionable sipper. Honeysuckle simple syrup and white vermouth give this drink an ethereal taste that will keep you sipping all summer long.
