Boukman Daiquiri
This modern classic from the renowned Death & Co bar in New York City elevates the simple Daiquiri into a more complex and aromatic experience. The grassy, funky notes of rhum agricole blanc are beautifully complemented by the warmth of cinnamon syrup and the bright acidity of fresh lime juice. A dash of allspice dram adds a final layer of tropical spice, creating a cocktail that is both refreshing and deeply flavorful. It's a sophisticated and memorable take on a beloved classic cocktail.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Boukman Daiquiri is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks and is a direct and inventive variation of the classic Daiquiri. Its use of specific, high-quality ingredients places it firmly in the craft cocktail category.
Serving
This cocktail is served "up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It's a refreshingly cold and potent drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 3-4 oz / 90-120 ml (before dilution and ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 22-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Created by Alex Day at the influential New York City bar, Death & Co., the Boukman Daiquiri is named for Dutty Boukman, an early leader of the Haitian Revolution. This is a fitting tribute, as the cocktail's base spirit, rhum agricole, has strong ties to the French Caribbean, particularly Haiti and Martinique. The drink brilliantly showcases how a simple template like the Daiquiri can be transformed with thoughtful, high-quality ingredients into something new and exciting.
Origin
Created by mixologist Alex Day at Death & Co. in New York City, USA, during the craft cocktail revival of the late 2000s.
Boukman Daiquiri
The drink is consistently known as the Boukman Daiquiri, named after a key figure in the Haitian Revolution. It is sometimes descriptively called an Agricole Cinnamon Daiquiri, which accurately outlines its core flavor profile, distinguishing it from the classic version.
Original name
Boukman Daiquiri
Alternative name
Agricole Cinnamon Daiquiri
Characteristics overview
This drink delivers a complex aroma of spice and fresh lime, with a flavor profile dominated by the funky notes of rhum agricole balanced by sour citrus and warm cinnamon. It has a smooth, crisp texture and a clean, spicy finish, making it a refreshing yet sophisticated cocktail.
Flavor
Funky, grassy, spicy, citrusy, tart, sweet
Aroma
Lime zest, cinnamon, allspice, fresh sugarcane
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, warming, lingering spice, sugarcane
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, pale straw, light yellow-green
Texture
Smooth, crisp, clean
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is well-balanced, led by a pronounced sourness and a noticeable kick of spice. The spirit's funky character is present but not overwhelming, creating a drink of moderate strength and intensity that is neither creamy nor carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The key to this cocktail is its specific ingredients: a funky rhum agricole, fresh lime juice, a rich cinnamon syrup, and a splash of allspice dram liqueur. High-quality components are necessary to achieve the intended flavor balance.
- Rhum Agricole Blanc2 oz / 60 mlUnaged rhum agricole made from fresh sugarcane juice is essential for the characteristic funky, grassy flavor.
- Fresh Lime Juice0.75 oz / 22.5 mlMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Cinnamon Bark Syrup0.5 oz / 15 mlA rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water) infused with cinnamon sticks provides a deep, authentic spice flavor.
- Allspice Dram1 bar spoon (approx. 0.08 oz / 2.5 ml)Adds a crucial layer of complex tropical spice. Brands like St. Elizabeth or The Bitter Truth are excellent choices.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need standard cocktail-making equipment for this drink. A shaker set with both a main strainer and a fine strainer is recommended for a smooth texture.
- Cocktail shaker to chill and dilute the ingredients.
- Jigger for accurate measurement.
- Hawthorne or julep strainer to hold back ice.
- Fine mesh strainer to remove small ice chips.
Instructions
This is a straightforward shaken cocktail. Simply combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until well-chilled, and double-strain into a chilled coupe glass before garnishing.
1. Prepare your serving glass by placing it in the freezer to chill.
2. Measure and pour the rhum agricole, fresh lime juice, cinnamon syrup, and allspice dram into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Double-strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish with a thin lime wheel or a lime twist.
Garnishing
A simple garnish of a fresh lime wheel or an expressed lime twist is all that's needed to complement the drink's aroma and appearance.
- Lime wheel or twist, placed on the rim or floating on top.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is perfectly suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, as all ingredients are plant-based.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugar in the syrup and liqueur. Its carbohydrate and sugar content are relatively low for a sour-style cocktail.
Calories
Approximately 180-210 kcal / 753-879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 11-14 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is a versatile cocktail perfect for warm weather, making it ideal for summer gatherings and tropical-themed parties. Its sophisticated profile also makes it an excellent aperitif or a featured drink at a cocktail party.
- Summer Evenings
- Cocktail Party
- Pre-dinner Drink
- Tropical Themed Events
Pairing suggestions
The spicy and funky notes of the Boukman Daiquiri pair beautifully with the flavors of Caribbean cuisine, such as jerk chicken or grilled fish. Its acidity also cuts through the richness of fried foods like tostones and complements the freshness of ceviche.
- Spicy Caribbean Dishes
- Grilled Pork or Chicken
- Ceviche
- Lightly Salted Plantain Chips
Boukman Daiquiri: A Revolutionary Riff on a Classic
The Boukman Daiquiri is a modern classic that offers a sophisticated and spicy spin on the traditional Daiquiri. By swapping standard rum for the grassy, funky character of rhum agricole and introducing the warmth of cinnamon and allspice, it creates a uniquely aromatic and flavorful experience. It remains true to the refreshing, sour-sweet balance of its predecessor while adding layers of complexity that are deeply rewarding. Perfect for Tiki lovers and classic cocktail enthusiasts alike, it's a testament to the art of simple, elegant variation.
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