The Daiquiri has developed into a family of cocktails with rum, lime and a sweetener as the common denominators. Variations range from a banana daiquiri to a cranberry daiquiri, but the most popular variation is probably the strawberry daiquiri.

It is believed to have been created in Cuba in the late 19th century as a medicinal treatment. However, it is also possible that the daiquiri was invented by an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox, who ran out of gin whilst entertaining guests and had to use what was available – rum.

Having remained localised for around 100 years, the daiquiri was introduced to the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C. and became increasingly popular over the next few decades.

In the 1940s whiskey, vodka and other spirits were hard to come by in America because of wartime rationing. However, thanks to Roosevelt’s Good Neighbour policy, which opened up trade and travel relations with Latin America, Cuba and the Caribbean, rum was more easily obtainable.

Ingredients:
Ice
50ml light rum
30ml fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar syrup
Lemon slice to garnish

Method:
1. Pour rum, lime juice and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Why not have a Mocktail?
For a non–alcoholic fruity alternative, mix 25ml fresh lime juice, 75ml fresh blended strawberries, 2 tsp sugar and cracked ice.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY