Daiquiri No. 3
The Daiquiri No. 3 is a sophisticated evolution of the original Daiquiri, created at the legendary El Floridita bar in Havana. It enhances the simple rum, lime, and sugar formula by introducing grapefruit juice for a brighter citrus note and maraschino liqueur for a touch of nutty, cherry complexity. This results in a perfectly balanced, crisp, and aromatic cocktail that is both refreshing and deeply flavorful. It's a testament to the masterful bartending of its era and a favorite among those who appreciate classic rum drinks.
Preparation
Preparation time: 4 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Daiquiri No. 3 is a classic cocktail from the sour family. It is a rum-based drink that falls into the category of historical Cuban cocktails. This specific variation is a celebrated example from the golden age of Cuban bartending.
Serving
This cocktail is served straight up in a chilled coupe glass for an elegant presentation. It's a moderately strong, cold drink that highlights the quality of its ingredients.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-24% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This cocktail was crafted by Constantino Ribalaigua Vert, the famed head bartender of El Floridita in Havana, during the 1930s. It was part of a series of Daiquiri variations he developed, with this version adding grapefruit and maraschino to the mix. It is considered a direct predecessor to the more famous Hemingway Daiquiri (Daiquiri No. 4), which simply omits the sugar from this recipe.
Origin
Created in the 1930s at the El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba. The recipe is attributed to Constantino "Constante" Ribalaigua Vert.
Daiquiri No. 3
The drink is often called La Florida Daiquiri No. 3 or Floridita Daiquiri No. 3, named after the famous bar in Havana, Cuba where it was created. These names refer to its place of origin and distinguish it from other Daiquiri variations from the same bar.
Original name
Daiquiri No. 3
Alternative names
- La Florida Daiquiri No. 3
- Floridita Daiquiri No. 3
Characteristics overview
The Daiquiri No. 3 offers a refreshingly tart and citrus-forward flavor profile with a complex, nutty aroma from the maraschino liqueur. Its taste is a masterful balance of sour and sweet, finishing clean and crisp.
Flavor
Citrusy, Tart, Subtly sweet, Refreshing, Nutty, Complex
Aroma
Lime, Grapefruit, Cherry, Rum
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Lingering cherry note
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale white, Hazy, Cloudy
Texture
Smooth, Silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a sour-dominant cocktail with high fruitiness from lime and grapefruit, balanced by a subtle sweetness and moderate alcohol strength. It is a still, non-creamy drink with a refreshing character.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You'll need a quality light rum as the base, complemented by fresh lime and grapefruit juices. Maraschino liqueur and simple syrup add complexity and balance to the cocktail.
- Light Rum60 ml / 2 ozA good quality Cuban-style white rum is recommended.
- Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed white or pink grapefruit juice.
- Maraschino Liqueur7.5 ml / 0.25 ozLuxardo or a similar high-quality brand is preferred.
- Simple Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 oz1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste.
Ice type
- Cubed (for shaking)
Mixing equipments
A standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger and strainers, is all you need to prepare this shaken drink. A citrus juicer is highly recommended for fresh ingredients.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients
- Jigger for accurate measurement
- Strainers (Hawthorne and fine mesh) for a smooth texture
- Citrus juicer for fresh juice
Instructions
The method involves chilling a coupe glass, shaking all ingredients vigorously with ice, and then double straining the mixture into the prepared glass.
1. Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the light rum, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from the chilled coupe glass.
6. Double strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled coupe glass to remove any ice shards or citrus pulp.
7. Serve immediately, ungarnished.
Garnishing
This cocktail is traditionally served without a garnish to maintain its elegant simplicity. However, a thin lime wheel placed on the rim is a common and acceptable addition.
- None (traditionally) or a lime wheel on the rim.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, but may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies due to the maraschino liqueur. It is generally considered vegan and vegetarian.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail contains a moderate number of calories, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low for a sour-style cocktail.
Calories
Averagely 180-210 kcal / 750-880 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 8-10 g
Sugar level
Occasions
Perfect for warm weather, this refreshing cocktail is an excellent choice for summer parties, poolside lounging, or as a sophisticated aperitif before dinner. Its Cuban roots also make it a fitting drink for tropical-themed gatherings.
- Summer party
- Aperitif
- Cocktail hour
- Tropical-themed event
Pairing suggestions
The crisp, citrusy nature of the Daiquiri No. 3 pairs beautifully with light appetizers and Cuban cuisine. It cuts through the richness of fried snacks like plantain chips and complements the bright flavors of seafood such as ceviche.
- Light seafood dishes like ceviche
- Salty plantain chips
- Cuban sandwiches
- Fresh fruit platters
Daiquiri No. 3: A Taste of Old Havana
The Daiquiri No. 3 is a timeless classic from Havana's famed El Floridita bar. It's a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail that perfectly marries light rum with fresh lime and grapefruit juice, balanced by a hint of sweet simple syrup and the complex, nutty notes of maraschino liqueur. Served ice-cold in a coupe, it represents the pinnacle of the Daiquiri family, showcasing how simple adjustments can create a drink of exceptional depth and character. It is the direct precursor to the more famous Hemingway Daiquiri.
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