Daiquiri No. 2

The Daiquiri No. 2 is a sophisticated and refreshing twist on the original three-ingredient classic. By introducing the bright notes of fresh orange juice and the complex sweetness of orange liqueur, this version offers a more layered citrus profile. It maintains the essential tartness and rum-forward character of a true Daiquiri while providing a fuller, more aromatic experience. It is a perfectly balanced sour that showcases the versatility of the Daiquiri template.
Daiquiri No. 2

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Daiquiri No. 2 is classified as a classic cocktail, belonging to the sour family of drinks. It is a historical Cuban recipe that stands as a significant variation of one of the world's most famous rum cocktails. Its categorization places it among timeless recipes that have influenced modern mixology.

Serving

Serve this moderately alcoholic drink ice-cold in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass for an elegant presentation. The compact serving size makes it a perfect pre-dinner sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 4 oz / 120 ml
Alcohol content
~20-24% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail hails from the legendary El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba, often called "la cuna del daiquiri" (the cradle of the daiquiri). During the early 20th century, head bartender Constantino Ribalaigua Vert created several numbered Daiquiri variations to cater to the tastes of his international clientele. The Daiquiri No. 2 was one of these famed creations, adding orange notes to the beloved house drink.
Origin
Havana, Cuba, Circa 1920s-1930s. Created at the El Floridita bar.

Daiquiri No. 2

The drink is most commonly known as Daiquiri No. 2, a name derived directly from its place on the historic menu of the El Floridita bar in Havana. It is sometimes referred to by its full designation, El Floridita Daiquiri No. 2, to distinguish it from other versions. The name signifies its status as a specific, codified variation of the classic Daiquiri.
Original name
Daiquiri No. 2
Alternative names
  • Daiquiri Number Two
  • El Floridita Daiquiri No. 2

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a bright, citrus-forward aroma and a tart flavor profile balanced by subtle sweetness from orange and sugar. Its texture is smooth and light, finishing cleanly, making it a highly refreshing and summery drink.
Flavor
Citrus-forward, tart, subtly sweet, rum-forward, orange zest
Aroma
Fresh lime, orange, sugar cane
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale yellow, hazy, translucent
Texture
Smooth, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by a pronounced sourness and fruitiness from the lime and orange, with a moderate sweetness to balance. The alcohol strength is present but well-integrated, and the drink is entirely still with no bitterness or creaminess.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires a quality white rum as its base, complemented by freshly squeezed lime and orange juices. Orange liqueur and a small amount of simple syrup are added for sweetness and complexity.
  • White Rum2 oz / 60 ml
    A Cuban-style or other light, clean white rum works best.
  • Fresh Lime Juice0.75 oz / 22.5 ml
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Orange Liqueur0.25 oz / 7.5 ml
    Triple Sec or a high-quality dry Curaçao is recommended.
  • Fresh Orange Juice0.25 oz / 7.5 ml
    Freshly squeezed orange juice is essential to avoid artificial sweetness.
  • Simple Syrup0.25 oz / 7.5 ml
    A 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your juices.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and both Hawthorne and fine mesh strainers. A citrus juicer is also essential for preparing the fresh lime and orange juices.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
  • Fine mesh strainer to remove small ice chips for a smoother texture.

Instructions

The process involves chilling a coupe glass, shaking all ingredients with ice until very cold, and double straining into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel before serving.
1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine the white rum, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Empty the ice from your chilled coupe glass. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the glass.
5. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel on the rim and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lime wheel perched on the rim of the glass is the traditional and most fitting garnish. It adds a visual cue to the drink's primary citrus flavor.
  • Lime wheel, placed on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. As it is made with distilled spirits and fruit juices, it is also gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low for a cocktail, coming from the juices, liqueur, and syrup.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-13 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for warm weather and sunny afternoons, making it ideal for summer parties and tropical-themed events. Its refreshing nature also makes it an excellent aperitif to stimulate the palate before a meal. It's a versatile choice for any social gathering where a sophisticated yet easy-drinking cocktail is desired.
  • Summer party
  • Aperitif
  • Social gathering
  • Tropical themed event

Pairing suggestions

The Daiquiri No. 2's bright acidity and citrus notes pair wonderfully with light and fresh foods, especially seafood. Its Cuban roots make it a natural match for Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. Salty snacks also provide a pleasant contrast to the drink's tart and sweet profile.
  • Light seafood dishes like ceviche or grilled shrimp.
  • Salty snacks such as plantain chips or marcona almonds.
  • Cuban-inspired appetizers like croquettes or mini Cuban sandwiches.

Daiquiri No. 2: A Taste of Old Havana

The Daiquiri No. 2 is a historically significant and delicious variation on a timeless classic. Originating from the famed El Floridita bar in Havana, it elevates the simple Daiquiri by adding layers of orange flavor from both fresh juice and liqueur. The result is a perfectly balanced, refreshing, and citrus-forward cocktail that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying to drink. It's a wonderful tribute to the golden age of Cuban cocktails and a must-try for any rum enthusiast.

Similar Cocktails

Daiquiri No. 3

This version is similar to the Hemingway but is typically blended with crushed ice to create a frozen-style drink.

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