Cuba is known for its rich variety of drinks, which reflect its culture and traditions. But what are the typical Cuban drinks, beyond the famous mojito?
The island offers a variety of drinks that you should try during your visit. From the refreshing guarapo to the iconic Cuba Libre, every sip tells a story.
Enjoy Travel Group offers a tour of Cuban cocktails, an essential part of everyday life and the country’s identity. Let’s get started!
What is the history of the Cuban Mojito?
The history of the mojito is deeply connected to Cuban culture. Its origins are believed to date back to the 16th century, to a drink called “El Draque,” which was prepared with aguardiente, lemon, sugar, and mint. Over time, this recipe evolved, and it was with the arrival of rum that the mojito took on the form we know today, becoming one of Cuba’s signature drinks.
Since then, its combination of refreshing flavors has made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The blend of rum, sugar, lemon, mint, and sparkling water results in an ideal cocktail for the island’s warm tropical days.
Here’s the recipe to get you inspired and ready to make it at home.
- Ingredientes: Los componentes esenciales del mojito son:
- White rum
- Sugar or sugar syrup
- Lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sparkling water
- Ice
Without a doubt, the mojito is the most popular and well-known Cuban cocktail, but there are many others just as tasty and refreshing. How about we tell you a little more about Cuba’s typical drinks?
Canchánchara: a drink with history
Canchánchara has roots dating back to the colonial era, when Cuban independence leaders, known as mambises, consumed it to warm their bodies in the cold mountains.
How is canchánchara prepared?
Traditionally, canchánchara was prepared hot, first heating boiling water and then adding honey and lemon juice. However, over time, it has evolved to be prepared cold, and it is popular to serve it over ice. This makes it a refreshing option, ideal for hot Cuban days.
Preparing canchánchara is quite simple and requires the following ingredients:
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Sugarcane liquor
- Optional: ice
Where can you try authentic Cuban canchánchara?
Our recommendation for an authentic Cuban canchánchara is Trinidad, one of Cuba’s most beautiful and well-preserved cities. Specifically, at the bar that bears the famous drink’s name, you can enjoy this drink in its most traditional form while enjoying Cuban music and local culture.
The experience of drinking canchánchara in Trinidad is transcendental, as it combines the flavor of the drink with the rhythm and warmth of Cuban life.
Guarapo: the drink made from Cuban sugarcane
Continuing with this recommendation of typical Cuban drinks, it’s time for Guarapo, a 100% natural nectar obtained from sugarcane. Its sweet and energizing flavor makes it a favorite among Cubans, especially on hot days.
La historia se remonta a la etapa colonial en la Isla, en los antiguos ingenios azucareros, cuando los esclavos utilizaban una máquina llamada trapiche para moler la caña y extraer su zumo dulce y energizante.
How is Guarapo made?
- Sugarcane selection: Fresh, ripe canes are chosen because they are juicier.
- Grinding: The canes are passed through the mill, where they are crushed to extract the juice.
- Filtering: The juice is filtered to remove traces of fiber and other solids.
- Served: Guarapo is served cold, often with ice, to maximize its freshness.
It’s important to consume guarapo immediately after preparation, as its flavor is at its peak and it tends to lose its freshness quickly if left to stand. I always recommend adding a few ice cubes to intensify its flavor and make it even more refreshing.
Where can you try Guarapo in Cuba?
Guarapo is a widely consumed beverage throughout Cuba. It can be found in numerous establishments, known as guaraperas, which are places dedicated to its sale. Its price is affordable for any Cuban, allowing people of different social classes to enjoy this refreshing drink.
So, when you’re out on the streets of Havana, ask your guide where there’s a guarapera and don’t forget to try an exquisite Cuban guarapo.
Cuba Libre, Cuba’s most indigenous cocktail
This post recommending typical Cuban drinks couldn’t be complete without the Cuba Libre, the emblematic cocktail of Cuban culture. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, specifically in the 1900s during the US occupation of Cuba. At that time, mixing Bacardi rum with Coca-Cola became fashionable. This combination quickly became popular among locals, who dubbed it “Cuba Libre,” making it an emblem of national identity.
What ingredients do you need to prepare a Cuba Libre?
The basic ingredients of a Cuba Libre are simple and accessible, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. These are:
- Rum (preferably white or aged rum)
- Coca-Cola
- Lemon (fresh juice and optionally a slice for garnish)
- Ice
The proportion of each ingredient can vary according to personal taste, but typically achieves a balance between the sweetness of the cola and the robust flavor of the rum, with a touch of acidity provided by the lemon.
Where to try a Cuba Libre?
Almost every bar and cocktail bar on the island offers a Cuba Libre, precisely because of this drink’s popularity and national identity. But there are undoubtedly places whose history makes the experience of savoring a Cuba Libre unique. We suggest a few:
- Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Havana: This famous establishment is known for its history and vibrant atmosphere, being a meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
- La Bodeguita del Medio: Famous for being the favorite bar of writer Ernest Hemingway, it is another iconic spot to enjoy a good Cuba Libre.
- Casa de la Música Bar: In cities like Havana and Santiago, this place combines live music with the opportunity to enjoy a great Cuba Libre.
These are just a few recommendations, but you can also put yourself in the hands of our experts and organize a tailor-made tour of Cuba’s most famous bars.
Daiquiri: a classic with a taste of the sea
Closing out this list of typical Cuban drink suggestions, we present the Daiquiri. This iconic cocktail evokes the flavor of the sea and the freshness of Cuba’s natural ingredients. Its history is intertwined with the island’s tropical charm, creating a unique sensorial experience.
What ingredients do you need to prepare a Daiquiri?
To prepare a classic Daiquiri you need three essential ingredients:
- Good quality white rum
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sugar, which can be in the form of syrup or liquid
Making it is quick and easy. Enjoy a refreshing Daiquiri in just two steps:
- Mix the rum, lemon juice, and sugar in a cocktail shaker, adding ice to taste.
- Shake vigorously to combine all the flavors, then strain into a chilled glass.
This simple process brings out the freshness of the ingredients, making the Daiquiri an ideal drink to enjoy on warm Cuban days.
Popular Daiquiri Variations
Over time, the Daiquiri has inspired numerous variations that add a creative twist to the classic recipe. Some of the most popular include:
- Strawberry Daiquiri: Strawberry puree or fresh strawberries are added to the mix, creating a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
- Frozen Daiquiri: This version is made with crushed ice, giving it a slush texture that’s perfect for tropical climates.
- Mango Daiquiri: Uses fresh mango juice, adding an exotic, tropical flavor to the cocktail.
- Blue Daiquiri: A blue curaçao liqueur is added, giving it a vibrant and attractive color.
These variations can be found in many Cuban bars and restaurants, where each bartender adds their own personal touch to the famous cocktail. But if you’re visiting Havana, the iconic place to enjoy a Daiquiri is El Floridita, the famous bar where Ernest Hemingway used to sip this refreshing drink.
Cuba itself is an exquisite blend of flavors, aromas, and palate sensations. Of course, this tropical fusion is reflected in the origins and preparation methods of Cuba’s typical drinks. Enjoying a cocktail or traditional Cuban drink during your visit to the island is also a way to become part of the country’s identity and gain insight into its culture.
We hope you find these recommendations from Enjoy Travel Group helpful, and remember that we can help you organize a personalized trip just for you.
