When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to indulge in a frozen, super sweet daiquiri. But let’s pause for a minute and appreciate the classic, simple daiquiri. We’re talking about the unfrozen kind, no strawberries or bananas involved. Just three ingredients: white rum (although some bartenders will get creative with dark or flavored rum), fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Simple, yet delicious.

Now, imagine a scenario where Papa likes his daiquiri a little stronger. Who can blame him? The simplicity of this cocktail allows all the flavors to shine. You can taste the molasses, caramel, and vanilla sweetness from the rum, the refreshing citrus flavor from the lime juice, and the perfect touch of sweetness from the sugar. It’s no wonder why the daiquiri is one of the most popular cocktails of all time.

But here’s the thing, choosing the right rum is crucial for a great daiquiri. So, we asked some of our favorite bartenders to share their go-to rum for a classic daiquiri. These experts know their stuff, so listen up!

Federico Doldi, food & beverage director at Gansevoort Meatpacking in New York City, recommends the Bacardi Reserve Ocho Rye Cask Finish. This rum not only delivers the classic aged rum profile you want in a daiquiri but also brings some smokiness to the mix, making it perfect for cold winter daiquiris.

Petr Balcarovsky, lead bartender of The Apparatus Room in Detroit, suggests the Detroit City Summer Rum. This rum adds a crisp and refreshing twist to the daiquiri, thanks to its beautiful production and composition. With notes of Jamaican funk, ripe banana, pineapple, and clove, this rum takes your daiquiri to the next level.

Benjamin Brinton, general manager at Merriman’s Waimea in Hawaii, loves using Appleton Estate Jamaican White Rum in his daiquiris. Jamaican rums always pack a ton of character and flavor, and this one is no exception. It’s light-bodied with hints of vanilla, toffee, tropical fruits, and gentle spices.

Tsuru Goto, food & beverage manager at Society Cafe in New York City, prefers using Santa Teresa 1796 for a more sophisticated and nuanced daiquiri. This complex aged rum brings fruity, sweet notes of chocolate fudge, caramelized bananas, candied nuts, and butterscotch to the cocktail.

Amber Milner, director of beverage at Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, opts for an aged rum like Ron Zacapa 23. This solera-aged rum, aged between six and twenty-three years, offers complex flavors of dried fruit and baking spice, which pairs beautifully with the simple syrup and lime in a classic daiquiri.

Aleksander Simic, bartender at Hutong in Miami, believes that a great rum for a classic daiquiri is often a matter of personal taste. He suggests trying different options and finding the one that suits your palate. Experimentation is key!

So, there you have it. The experts have spoken. Whether you go for the Bacardi Reserve Ocho Rye Cask Finish, Detroit City Summer Rum, Appleton Estate Jamaican White Rum, Santa Teresa 1796, Ron Zacapa 23, or any other rum that tickles your fancy, just remember to savor the simplicity and elegance of a classic daiquiri. Cheers!

The Daiquiri, a classic and refreshing cocktail loved by many. It’s a simple drink, consisting of just three ingredients – rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. While traditionally made with light or white rum, there are actually many different rums that can be used to create a delicious daiquiri. In this blog post, we will explore some alternative rum options and hear from some experts in the industry on their preferred choice for this beloved cocktail.

First up, we have Clay Crocker, beverage director at Branja in Miami, who recommends Bacardi Superior as his go-to rum for a daiquiri. He believes that its clean and neutral flavor profile allows the lime juice and simple syrup to shine, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail. With an ABV of 43% and an average price of $25, Bacardi Superior delivers a smooth canvas for the flavors of the daiquiri to be highlighted.

Next, we have Mike Herchuck, director of operations at American Social Bar & Kitchen in Miami, who opts for Rhum Barbancourt 5 Star. This Haitian rum offers both quality and depth of flavor, making it an excellent choice for a classic daiquiri. Mike notes that the cinnamon notes from this rum come out beautifully when shaken up, adding a unique twist to the drink. Despite the purists’ preference for white rum, Mike stands by his choice unapologetically.

Moving on to Dennis Baby, head bartender at Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa in the Maldives, he recommends Privateer New England White Rum from Massachusetts as a base for a classic daiquiri. This rum is light enough to be used in a daiquiri but has bold characteristics that make it stand out against other light rums. Dennis describes the rum as complex with hints of funk, passion fruit, and vanilla, making for an intriguing flavor profile.

For those looking for a more affordable option, Kevin Beary, beverage director at Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago, suggests Flor de Caña 4 Extra Seco white rum. This rum is matured for four years before being charcoal filtered to remove its color and impurities. Known for its crisp, dry, and complex flavor profile, it pairs well with any fruit you want to include in your flavored daiquiri.

Lastly, Vincent Bolognini, head bartender at Due West in New York City, prefers J.M. Rhum Blanc 100 Proof. He appreciates the beauty of the daiquiri being a one-spirit drink and believes that using an Agricole rum with a higher proof and depth of flavor enhances the overall experience. With notes of mango, papaya, and overripe bananas, this rum truly makes the daiquiri shine.

In conclusion, while light or white rum like Bacardi Superior may be the traditional choice for a daiquiri, there are plenty of other rums that can be used to create a unique and delicious cocktail. Whether you prefer the clean and neutral flavor of Bacardi Superior, the cinnamon notes of Rhum Barbancourt 5 Star, the complex flavors of Privateer New England White Rum, the affordability of Flor de Caña 4 Extra Seco, or the nuances of J.M. Rhum Blanc 100 Proof, there is a rum out there for everyone’s taste. So next time you’re craving a daiquiri, don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new – you may just discover your new favorite combination. Cheers!