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The Daiquiri is a simple classic cocktail recipe. It has endured because it’s just delicious. The classic Daiquiri is light rum, lime or lemon juice, and a little sugar – that’s it.

People have tried to improve on the Daiquiri recipe over the years. But there was never really any reason to.

This drink is one of those recipes that was already perfect in its simplicity. Like a Margarita, the best improvement you can make is to use the best quality ingredients you can get.

And in this case, we have changed the recipe’s call for “powdered sugar” to simple syrup. It won’t taste better – it’s just a lot easier to blend.

You can definitely used powdered sugar, too. Just don’t try any other form of sugar (table sugar, granulated sugar) because it won’t dissolve as quickly or easily.

The overall flavor of this cocktail is distinctly tropical, but not too sweet. The sugar syrup just takes the sour edge off the lime or lemon.

And since it’s served in a simple cocktail glass instead of a funky shaped novelty glass with little umbrellas and colored straws, it looks as grown-up and sophisticated as it tastes.

Because this drink recipe has been tinkered with so much over the years, however, you should feel free to tweak it to your heart’s delight. The ingredient ratios can be changed to suit your individual taste or the taste of your guests.

You might want to read “Customizing Cocktails for Guests” where we talk about tweaking recipes to your guests’ taste.

If you find this recipe too tart, you can add some extra simple syrup. Too sweet? Add some more lime juice.

It’s worth it to choose a good, drinkable rum for this one. You will taste the rum, so pick a bottle you like.

Bacardi is the rum most commonly served in Daiquiris in bars, and it’s a perfectly good choice for this cocktail. But feel free to try other light rums, like Diplomatico Planas or El Dorado.

Every rum has its own character. The best one for your personal daiquiri depends on what you like.

Some have sweeter notes, like caramel or molasses. Others have hints of spice like cloves or cinnamon.

Just be aware that high proof or “overproof” rums will add a lot of kick and a strong alcohol flavor. They can work if you’re wanting a particularly strong Daiquiri, but you may not love how it tastes.

While this recipe calls for lime or lemon juice, we recommend lime juice. It has a unique flavor that adds something special and tropical to the drink.

Rum and lemon are a nice enough combination, but rum and limes were made for each other. That’s the bottom line here.

This drink is above all refreshing. It’s perfect for an afternoon by the poolside, but it works equally at home, served with a good meal.

Try it with Loaded Baked Chicken Nachos. The lime juice in the drink complements those flavors perfectly, and cuts through the heaviness of the beans and cheese.

If you love the Daiquiri…

Check out the Key Lime Martini, which features key lime juice with vanilla vodka and cream of coconut for a rich treat that actually tastes like a key lime pie.

The Cabo cocktail blends tequila with lime and pineapple juice for a fun, tropical flavor. It’s refreshing and tasty.

And finally the Santa Cruz Daisy features dark rum with lime juice and maraschino liqueur. It’s sweet and a little bit sour, with lots of rum.

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