When you think of rum and cocktails, you have to think of Cuba right? They are home to some of the most famous mezclas on your brunch menu and when they are made right, the flavours will keep you salivating for weeks - if not months!
My very short time in Cuba was some of the best days a super fan could ever ask for and as a lover of rum, it felt like a dream come true (whilst drinking responsibly of course). Forget about what you thought you had, daiquiris' and mojitos' will not be like anything you've tasted at those instagrammable cocktail bars.
Don't worry, I will not gate-keep these national treasures just in case you ever decide to visit this country of charm and resilience and I will even tell you where to get them ;)
#1 - Legendario Rum
If you are a fan of sweet drinks like Moscatel and orange wine, then you will definitely be a fan of this rum. With it's mahogany colour and caramel taste, shots of this is a dangerously delicious one.
I was lucky enough to have discovered this in Spain a few years ago, so I was overjoyed to see massive volumes of it in local bars and restaurants because it's hands down my favourite of all time.
#2 - Canchanchara
Cuba Libre has nothing on this old gem. in fact no cocktail is as good as the Canchanchara, with it being the oldest cocktail in the country and I bet you have never heard of it.
In the same family as the Mojito and Caipirinha, this zest-fest has a subtle base of Agua Diente - A clear coloured liquor made from sugar cane that has nothing to do with water. You will be skipping happily through the streets once you have necked this back and with a wondeful pairing of honey and lime, this little mixture will cure all influenzas.
Travel to the centre of Havana to Cafe Mambo to have the most cuban cocktail out there for only 400 cuban pesos which is around $4 USD or less.
#3 Classic Mojito
Forget all the mojitos you have tasted in the past, this drink is not supposed to have bubbles and is not supposed to have a certain measure of rum, well not really. The secret to this cocktail is not just the refreshing taste of mint and lime, but how much rum YOU believe it needs and the type of rum you use. Traditionally, the bartender places a bottle of 3 year old Havana Club by your drink so you can add for free at your own leisure.
Enjoy a tall glass and live salsa music in the historical centre of Havana at the home of Mojitos La Bodeguita Del Medio. Otherwise you can go to La Casa Del Super Mojito and enjoy the local surroundings.
#4 - Margarita
El Dandy offers a plethora of alcoholic cocktails and flavoursome tacos for a very, very good price. Not only are the staff some of the friendliest people you have ever met in your entire life, but the Margarita's are made to perfection!
With a perfect balance of salty & sour and a reasonable measure of gold tequila, their Margaritas will have you leaning on a full stomach. Pair the beverage with a pork taco and you can thank me later.
#5 - The Classic Daiquiri
Last but not least, one of my favourites - the Daiquiri.
Any Daiquiri you have in Cuba is hardly ever mixed with fruit, and I only came across it once on my trip which was blended with Papaya. This alcoholic slushy will freeze the brain for sure, so sip slow because the alcohol content is once again, very underestimated.
Here I am enjoying my classic Daiquiri in the beautiful historic building 'La Guarida' which is more at the top end due to its famous connections and 360 degree view of the city.
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Remember to be aware of your surroundings and drink responsibly.
As mystic as Habana is, the streets are rubbled and silent electric mopeds are everywhere!
Enjoy :)
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