Cuba is a beautiful place known for its delicious food, vibrant music, and diverse culture.
However, the island is also noteworthy because of its famous cocktails, which are now made around the world.
These beverages include some notable names and were meant to contain Cuban rum.
So if you want to learn more about these drinks, then you have come to the right place.
In the following article, we have compiled a list of 8 traditional Cuban drinks, which can be made in the comfort of your own home…
Daiquiri
Daiquiris are now considered a staple of the Floridita bar in Havana, where they are usually made with rum, ice, and sugar.
Because of the drink’s success, it can now be found in bars and restaurants across the world and is even available in several variations, which include the Daiquiri Floridita, Hemingway Daiquiri, Banana Daiquiri, and the humble Strawberry Daiquiri.
While the latter two are now considered the most common, you can still taste the original Daiquiri in Havana, where it remains a firm favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Mojito
Mojitos are now considered one of the most famous cocktails in the world, as it combines the aromatic flavor of rum with lime, sparkling water, and mint.
The cocktail’s creation is now traced back to the city of Havana, where it was made using natural ingredients found in remedies and medicines.
Some believe that the cocktail’s success can be attributed to the slaves that worked the sugar fields, as they would use the sugarcane to create their own sweet cocktail.
Since its conception, the Mojito has been presented as the favorite drink of author Ernest Hemingway, who encountered the drink during his time in Cuba.
Cuba Libre (Cubata)
This refreshing cocktail remains a firm favorite among the Spanish people and is made from a combination of Cuban rum and botanic cola.
Since its invention, the Cuba Libre has become a popular cocktail across the world, where it is known as a simple rum and coke.
However, in Spain, the drink is referred to as Cubata and will feature lemon and ice to balance the cola’s sweetness.
Pina Colada
Despite originating on the island of Puerto Rico, the Pina Colada has since been adopted into Cuban tradition and remains the definition of a tropical cocktail.
The beverage is made from a creamy combination of rum, pineapple, and coconut milk – with the final result often being served with fresh fruit or a maraschino cherry.
There are several variations of this drink available, with the most notable being the Blue Hawaiian, which features blue Curacao instead of rum.
Cubanito
Otherwise known as the Cuban Bloody Mary, this cocktail is made from a robust blend of rum, tomato juice, and hot sauce.
Because of its strange ingredients, the cocktail is sometimes served as an appetizer and can be garnished with celery and bacon for a more substantial meal.
Despite the similarities to its American counterpart, the Cubanito does not contain vodka and is sometimes made with sea salt and egg yolks.
El Presidente
The El Presidente was first invented in Havana during the 1920s and fast became the drink of the Cuban upper class.
While the cocktail’s inventor has never been confirmed, several bartenders have been associated with the recipe.
This simple cocktail features a refreshing combination of black vermouth, white rum, and grenadine, which is then served over ice and decorated with cherries and orange peel.
In some cases, the drink is also made with orange Curacao, but other citrus liqueurs will also work.
Crema de Vie
This creamy beverage remains a firm favorite among the Cuban people, as it contains a rich blend of condensed milk, vanilla, and rum.
Because of this, the cocktail shares some similarities with classic eggnog, as it is also made during the festive season.
However, the cocktail can also be purchased on the island throughout the year and is rarely garnished with cinnamon or other festive spices.
Saoco
One of the most delicious cocktails on our list, Saoco is made from a refreshing combination of rum, coconut water, and sugar cane.
In most cases, the cocktail will be served in the same coconut that yielded the milk, which adds to its tropical vibe.
However, it can also be served on ice and flavored with lime juice for some additional tartness.
Final Thoughts
There are many drinks and cocktails now attributed to Cuban cuisine, with some being famous names served around the world.
While this article has showcased a select few, there are countless others that call the island their home, whether that be the Havana Loco or the Cuban Ginger.
Hello, my name is Jim Stanton and I have been living in Havana for the past three years. I originally found my way here while backpacking, fresh out of college with not many ideas on where I wanted my life to go.
Once I got here, I fell in love. The buildings, the beaches, the monuments - I was in awe. I went on a different sightseeing walk every single day and never got bored of the city, which I had found to be a common issue while traveling through other places.
It just made sense for me to stick around in Havana from then on out. I never had the urge to keep backpacking, and I certainly didn’t want to return home to Utah now that I had seen this.
So, if you’re thinking of visiting Havana, stick around and learn more about the city from my website. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you out here!
