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Edinburgh Reporter
15 hours ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
From Havana to Edinburgh: The Classic Daiquiri's Journey Through Time
The Daiquiri cocktail is a legendary drink that has come to be a favourite for many. But unlike other famous cocktails, there is less speculation and gossip about the Daiquiri's origins. This is probably because its genesis tale barely had time to slip through the cracks as it moved from a drunken late-night improvisation to a Beltway favourite in what seemed like fifteen minutes (actually closer to a decade, but hey, who's counting). Similar cocktail recipes have popped up in different eras and locations, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly when a drink was first made. In the case of the Daiquiri, however, a very evident sequence of events links its creation to its meteoric rise in popularity. And while its origins may be clear, they remain no less captivating. Photo by Aram Diseño: The Daiquiri's Wartime Origins The Daiquiri can be traced back to April 21, 1898, when the United States blockaded Cuba as part of its intervention in the Cuban War of Independence. Yes, indeed. It all began with a war. Theodore Roosevelt, who was the assistant secretary of the navy at the time, and his Rough Riders touched down on Daiquiri beach in southeast Cuba. After their successful campaign against the Spanish, the U.S. gained significant influence over Cuban affairs through the Platt Amendment, prompting a wave of American businesses to flood the region in pursuit of the economic opportunities left in Spain's wake. The quick influx of American capital into Cuban agricultural and mining projects attracted a large number of professionals, including engineers, farmers, and others. It was during this time that Jennings S. Cox, working as a mining engineer, stumbled into the drink's history by accident. Cox had people over for an excellent party at his house close to Daiquiri, but he ran out of gin. Heading to the nearby market, he sought for more, but unfortunately, he could only find rum. Cox, seemingly worried about his American visitors' sensitive palates, decided to mix the rum with sugar, lemon juice, and other ingredients to produce a punch. As a result, the first Daiquiri was born. Rum, however, has been watered down with sugar and citrus juice ever since its arrival in the Caribbean. This was mostly done to make it more drinkable, since it was essentially the 'bathroom booze' of its day. Not being a native, Cox was likely unaware of this idea; he simply added sugar and ice to a well-known local drink, gave it a new name, and inadvertently secured his place in the cocktail's history. From Cuba to America Rear Admiral Lucius W. Johnson, a medical officer in the United States Navy, met the Daiquiri in Cuba in 1909. He became so smitten with the beverage that upon his return to the US, he served it to his friends at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C., where it became a hit. The Daiquiri didn't make its literary debut in America until 1920, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise, a delay largely due to the slower spread of word-of-mouth at the time. During his time in Havana, Ernest Hemingway became a fan of the drink, eventually inspiring his own version: the Hemingway Daiquiri, made with grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur, and no sugar, since he suffered from diabetes. When the Kennedys started sailing about half a century later, it became their favourite beverage. The Daiquiri in Modern Times The Daiquiri's adaptability and refreshing flavour have kept it popular throughout the years. It can be found on cocktail lists all throughout the world, from exclusive nightclubs to laid-back beach bars. Many contemporary bartenders are reworking the traditional Daiquiri recipe, adding their own spin while paying honour to its roots. With artisanal rums and freshly squeezed juices, they are taking the cocktail to the next level, making it a beloved among cocktail enthusiasts. The Original Daiquiri Evolves There have been several versions of the Daiquiri, as is the case with most cocktails. A bartender at El Floridita in Old Havana, Constantino Ribailagua, came up with three variants of the recipe after it made its way from Daiquiri to Havana. To keep things organised, he numbered them, reserving #1 for the classic original. Daiquiri #2 The #2, which Constantino created in 1915 at El Floridita, consists of Bacardi Carta Blanca, Triple Sec Liqueur, lime juice, orange juice, syrup, and lime juice. The mild orange flavour adds a touch of summer and gives it a new twist. Daiquiri #3 With a little less sourness and alcohol intensity, Daiquiri #3 evokes thoughts of The Hemingway Daiquiri, also known as Papa Doble. It contains Bacardi Gold, lime juice, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur in moderate amounts. Since this cocktail was probably around when Hemingway came to Cuba, Constantino most likely found it a good starting point when creating a version tailored to the writer's tastes. Daiquiri #4 This version is comparable to #3 but without the grapefruit's sourness. For those who like a milder combination of sweet and sour tastes, this straightforward recipe is ideal. It combines Bacardi Gold, maraschino liqueur, lime juice, chilled water, and simple syrup. Traditional Daiquiri Recipe Ingredients 2 oz (60ml) White Rum 3/4 oz (20ml) simple syrup 1 oz (30ml) freshly squeezed lime juice Lime wheel Preparation and Serving Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add all the ingredients. Give it a quick shake for 20 to 30 seconds. Pour the concoction into a cocktail glass after straining. Toss in a lime wheel or twist for garnish, if you want. Why Shake? The recipe calls for the drink to be shaken, and for good reason. Shaking chills the cocktail while allowing the ice to slightly dilute it, adding volume and enhancing the overall flavour. More importantly, citrus juices like lime don't easily blend when simply stirred, so shaking ensures a smoother, well-integrated drink. Conclusion The Daiquiri's meteoric rise to fame from its humble beginnings in a Cuban village is proof of its timeless allure. Whether you like it straight up or with a contemporary touch, this drink has an air of understated elegance. Therefore, when drinking a Daiquiri, pause and think about the many cultures that go into making it. Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'A night of pure indulgence and escapism' at Crossbasket Castle's glamorous speakeasy-inspired dining experience
Lanarkshire is now home to an unrivalled luxury cabaret venue which more than lives up to its titillating tagline "where champagne flows and anything goes". The Daily Record was invited along for a taste of Crossbasket Castle's unique new entertainment-led dining experience overseen by Michel Roux Jr at Trocadero's - part of its luxurious new £20million hotel alongside the existing five-star 15th-century fairytale castle owned by entrepreneur and philanthropist couple Alison and Steve Timoney. And it was a night of pure indulgence and escapism. Inspired by the iconic 1950s Hamilton dance hall, The Trocadero, and modelled on the glamourous speakeasy bars of the Roaring Twenties, velvet drapes are pulled back to reveal Trocadero's luxurious cocktail bar and romantic candlelit restaurant. With celebrity Michelin-star French chef Michel Roux Jr and top mixologist Panos Dimou running the operation, we knew we were in for a truly decadent experience. Starting off the evening with a Southside and classic Daiquiri cocktail served in one of the art deco-inspired booths, we were escorted to one of the best seats in the house for the main event. Poring over the high-end menu complete with Caviar Bar, Loch Ryan/Creran Oysters, Poached Half West Coast Lobster and delicious desserts on their petit gateau trolley, we selected a Beef Short Rib Crumpet and Shetland Crab to start. The slow cooked short rib fritter with celeriac remoulade whisky peppercorn sauce melted in the mouth and the white and brown crab meat with potato chips, mango and Remy Martin sauce was to die for. While savouring a delicious 700g Roasted Cote De Boef of Speyside Beef for two, grilled to perfection, we were treated to some live jazz followed by a dazzling dance display by Trocadero's hugely talented 'flapper girls' before the house band had the room up dancing to hits from the '70s, '80s and '90s. Exuberating the charm and nostalgia reminiscent of 1920s jazz clubs transporting guests to a bygone era seven nights a week, you could be forgiven for thinking you were anywhere but High Blantyre in 2025. As well as top compliments to the renowned chef, I can't commend the service from restaurant manager Kostas Mavrogiannis and his team highly enough. Their culinary knowledge and attention to detail was second to none. They couldn't do enough for us and true to Trocadero's tagline - the champagne was certainly flowing. Earlier in the day we had been educated on Brut Reserve by a representative of Taittinger Champagne and sampled some of the finest and most expensive on the menu during Crossbasket's divine classic afternoon tea experience overlooking the lush sun-soaked grounds surrounding the main castle. Our extravagant tipples included Taittinger Comtes de Blanc which came in at £53 a glass (125ml) and £430 a bottle and Taittinger Prestige Rose at £19 a glass and £125 a bottle. Not forgetting the fine selection of Chef's artisan sandwiches and canapes, we tucked into freshly baked fruit scones with homemade jam and clotted cream and a selection of delicious homemade cakes with chef's afternoon tea delicacies. Retiring for the night to our elegant and expansive top floor castle suite, complete with roll top bath, was the perfect antidote to the electric atmosphere of Trocadero's. And, true to form, following a brief conversation about Crossbasket's award-winning honey, available to purchase in their boutique, we were able to take a little piece of this magnificent hotel home with us thanks to a member of the venue's top team who had kindly left a jar on our pillow. It's certainly an exciting new era for Crossbasket with lots more to come with a new luxury Four Angels Spa opening this autumn alongside two new luxurious eco-cottages creating additional private havens within the castle's 14-acre estate. Currently, an overnight stay in the new 40-room hotel starts from £195. Castle rooms start from £360. For more privacy, guests can stay in The Gate Lodge or The East Lodge on grounds of Crossbasket's grand estate, which offer exclusivity close to the castle and hotel. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Somewhere by Nico serves up £5 cocktails at 10-day Cocktail Festival
Somewhere by Nico will serve up £5 cocktails as part of its first ever Cocktail Festival running across Glasgow and Edinburgh. Guests at the gorgeous Somewhere by Nico in Glasgow Byres Road and its sister bar in Edinburgh's west end , will be able to enjoy classic drinks and brand favourites as part of the one-of-a-kind event running from May 2nd - May 11th. The creative minds behind the award-winning Six by Nico , beloved for ever-changing themed menus, have curated an itinerary of immersive drinks concepts. The Cocktail Festival will create an affordable experience for fans who enjoy the art of mixology. A number of Scottish alcohol brands including Glasgow Tequila brand Jalisgow and iconic drinks brand Panther Milk will host special masterclasses and takeovers over the 10-day festival. Cocktails priced at £5 including favourites such as Daiquiri, Aperol Spritz, Paloma, Negroni and Tom Collins will be available. Lucky drinks lovers will be able to experience the Grey Goose Tiny 'Tini experience' on the opening night of May 2nd. Somewhere by Nico's operations Manager Abigail Barr said: 'Somewhere has always been about escapism - a place to dine, drink, and discover through food and drink. "We've created an incredible space in Glasgow & Edinburgh, and this Cocktail Festival is our way of inviting the city in to experience it. Whether you're stopping by for after-work drinks, weekend celebrations, or a spontaneous night out, we want Somewhere to be your go-to destination." Walk-ins are welcome as the festival is ticketless. Customers will be able to access the full Cocktail Festival programme at
Edinburgh Live
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh set for 'one-of-a-kind' cocktail festival with live music and food
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A new cocktail festival is coming to Edinburgh, promising an 'unforgettable' experience. Somewhere by Nico in the West End will be transformed into a 'one-of-a-kind' celebration. The festival will serve up £5 cocktails, including classics and signature specials. Guests can expect live music, food, and exclusive offerings. The festival kicks off on May 2. Somewhere by Nico's operations Manager Abigail Barr said: "Somewhere has always been about escapism - a place to dine, drink, and discover through food and drink. "We've created an incredible space in Glasgow & Edinburgh, and this Cocktail Festival is our way of inviting the city in to experience it. Whether you're stopping by for after-work drinks, weekend celebrations, or a spontaneous night out, we want Somewhere to be your go-to destination." Over the 10 days, guests can expect brand takeovers, exhibits, DJ's and plenty of cocktails. Bookings are not required. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Somewhere by Nico will also be running an event in Glasgow simultaneously. Cocktails include Daiquiri, Aperol Spritz, Paloma, Negroni, Tom Collins, and The Grey Goose Tiny 'Tini. Abigail continued: "If you're a curious cocktail enthusiast or a seasoned sipper, you're invited to experience the magic behind our bars, the talent of our mixologists, and the atmosphere that makes Somewhere so special. With £5 cocktails on offer for 10 days and no ticket needed it's the perfect time to shake things up and experience what Somewhere is all about."
