Nothing says tropical fun like a boozy bevvy, and these Cuban cocktails are some of the best around.
Just one sip will whisk you away to the Caribbean.
Classic Cuban Cocktails & Drink Recipes
Cuba is a haven for classics like mojitos, daiquiris, and piña coladas. And from the Cubre Libre to the El Presidente, you’ll want to try them all.
Bright and refreshing, these Cuban cocktails are insanely thirst-quenching. So they’re just what you need for the summer.
Serve them with your favorite authentic Cuban sandwich, and you’ll never go back to boring wine again.
1. Cuba Libre
Legend has it, the Cuba Libre was invented by a U.S. Army Captain during the Spanish-American War.
At a bar in Havana Cuba, he mixed rum with Coke and lime, then declared, “free Cuba!” Thus, Cuba’s national drink was born.
And although it’s super simple, it’s hard to beat when you have the right kind of rum – that means top-quality Cuban rum!
Ingredients: lime juice, Cuban dark rum, Coca-Cola, ice, lime wedge (for garnish)
2. Classic Cuban Mojito
Quench your thirst the traditional Cuban way with an iconic mojito. It’s perfect for a sweltering day or an afternoon pick-me-up on a lazy Saturday.
Between the white rum, mint, and lime, it’s the ultimate refreshment.
Not too sweet, not too citrusy, and not too boozy, it’s a perfectly balanced drink everyone will love.
Ingredients: lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, white rum, crushed ice
3. El Presidente
If you enjoy stiff rum drinks, the El Presidente is at your service.
Sort of like a Manhattan, this sophisticated cocktail is boozy with plenty of fruity depth.
It’s a bit bitter, a little sweet, slightly citrusy, and packs a punch!
Before pouring, run an orange peel around the rim of your martini glass. This will leave behind the oils to impart a delightfully bright citrus twist.
So forget that tired old Cosmopolitan and try this stunning Cuban drink instead.
Ingredients: golden rum, blanc Vermouth, Orange Curaçao or Grand Marnier, Grenadine, orange peel & cocktail cherry (for garnish)
4. El Floridita Daiquirí
El Floridita daiquiri is not the average frozen cocktail you’ll find in bars all over the world.
Quite the contrary! Named after a bar in Havana, it’s a simple refreshment that’s tasty and refined.
Ernest Hemingway even had a version he was known to adore (it was called the Hemingway Daiquiri, by the way).
Best shaken with ice in a cocktail shaker, this drink needs a lot of lime and a rocks glass.
Ingredients: white rum, lime juice, simple syrup or honey, maraschino liqueur, ice, lime wedge (for garnish)
5. Hotel Nacional
Like the drink above, the Hotel Nacional is named for the location in which it was invented.
Bright, invigorating, and vivacious, this Cuban cocktail is like a piña colada, only without the cream of coconut.
And I think it even tastes a little like a margarita, just with more sweetness.
If that sounds good, give it a try!
Ingredients: white rum (Bacardi), apricot brandy, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup or honey, pineapple slice or wedge (for garnish)
6. Old Cuban
You may like an Old Fashioned, but this Old Cuban is sure to tickle your tastebuds.
It’s rejuvenating like a mojito and tastes like one too.
Muddled mint, simple syrup, and lime are the backbone. But it’s the gold rum, sparkling wine, and bitters that make it an alluring adult beverage.
Bubbly and refreshing, it’s a thirst quencher best paired with good company.
Ingredients: mint leaves, simple syrup, lime juice, golden Havana Club rum, Angostura bitters, sparkling wine or Prosecco
7. Saoco
A tall glass of this will cool you down on a hot day. But it’s so yummy, you’ll want a whole pitcher!
Saoco is the chosen drink of farmers, and once you hear what’s in it, you’ll see why.
It calls for just two ingredients: coconut water and rum. So you get a dose of thirst-quenching electrolytes and a little booze to take off the edge.
If you want to spiff it up a bit, add a wedge of lime. Either way, serve it in a large glass packed with ice.
Ingredients: white rum, coconut water, crushed ice, lime wedge (for garnish)
8. Cuban Breeze
What’s in a Cuban breeze? I’m so glad you asked!
It’s a vodka drink with tropical notes and nutty undertones, thanks to the Amaretto.
From the tropical taste to the easy steps, it’s a great cocktail to fix up for parties. So give it a try at your next Sunday brunch, barbecue, or pool party.
Everyone will love it!
Ingredients: vodka, Amaretto, pineapple juice, lime juice, ice, mint leaves (for garnish)
9. Cojito
Say “Happy Holidays” the Cuban way with a glass of creamy, dreamy cojito.
Smooth, tropical, and oh-so festive, it’s a fun one to share during the jolliest time of year.
What makes it different from eggnog is its combination of coconut milk, cream of coconut, and condensed milk for sweetness.
What about the booze? Well, like here in the states, it’s got rum too!
Ingredients: sweet condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, cream of coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, light rum
10. Classic Piña Colada
I think we’re all dreaming of vacations right now. But until you can hop on a plane, why not make this stunning pina colada?
But know that this isn’t an overpriced frilly drink made with a sugary bottle of artificial mix. This is the legit island experience!
Blend it up or serve it on the rocks. No matter how you like your pina colada, you’ll get a little taste of a much-needed vacay with this one.
Ingredients: frozen pineapple, ice, aged rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, lime juice, cocktail cherry (for garnish)
10 BEST Cuban Cocktails to Try This Weekend
Nothing says tropical fun like a boozy bevvy, and these Cuban cocktails are some of the best around. Just one sip will whisk you away to the Caribbean.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious Cuban cocktail in 30 minutes or less!
