Daiquiri is a rum cocktail and the original daiquiri is a mixture of lime juice, sugar and rum poured over ice. Today, as with so many things, there are many variations to the original. However, the fundamental ingredients remain the same – alcohol (usually rum), fresh lime juice and sugar.
The daiquiri has moved from the ingredients being layered into a tall frosted glass and served with a long-handled spoon, to being muddled, put into a shaker, vigorously shaken and then poured, strained. With modern appliances, daiquiri is now quickly mixed in a blender. The addition of fruit is a new thing, with bananas, mangoes and strawberries being the most popular.
A frozen daiquiri is one where the ice is pulverized with the ingredients creating a thick icy-smoothie-like drink. Frozen daiquiri(s) are great for entertaining, especially when made with fruit. I like that you can just whip it up in a blender and pour directly into a glass. If for some reason (I do not know what that would be), you have extra, it stores well refrigerated. When you are ready to drink, just give it a good stir and pour.
Photo by Cynthia Nelson
Mangoes are now fully in season, this is the August holidays, and with this Emancipation, Carnival, Culturama, Kadmooment weekend in full swing, it is time for some serious liming. Don’t fret about the drinks, get yourself some fruit, rum, lots of freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup and ice and you’re good to go. If it’s a big lime, borrow an extra blender or two from your friends who are coming over.
Make the daiquiri to suit your taste. Some people like theirs sweeter, others like it more limey and then there are those that like it a little more or less boozy.
Here’s the combination I make in a large blender:
- 1 ½ cups mango pulp
- 2 cups ice cubes
- ¾ cup dark rum
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- Simple Syrup (I add to taste)
- Put everything in the blender, cover and blend until smooth.
- Garnish with slices of lime, sprigs of mint or maraschino cherries.
NOTE
To make a simple syrup, add equal parts of water and sugar (e.g. 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar) to a pot over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let mixture come to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 2 minutes, remove from heat and cool completely before using. Keeps for a long time in the refrigerator.
