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Welcome back to another episode of this summer’s hottest and most compelling series, and it doesn’t even require yet another subscription to a streaming app. Nope, it’s the next installment of “Binny’s Summer of GOOD Frozen Cocktails”, brought to you gratis by Binny’s Beverage Depot, the Midwest’s biggest and best wine, beer and spirits superstore¹.

We’re making it extra easy on you this week. There are no huge plot twists or complicated storylines and even the cast of characters; rum, lime juice, sugar, ice and a blender are largely the same as last week, but this is, nevertheless, a very different drink. So, if you purchased Bacardi’s Havana Club Añejo Blanco or another stellar white rum for last week’s frozen mojito², you’re in luck. We are exploring another Cuban classic, the frozen daiquiri known as El Floridita.

This distinctive and distinguished version of the daiquiri comes from Havana’s El Florida Bar, known locally by the diminutive, El Floridita, form of the moniker. This was where Hemingway learned to really love a good daiquiri and he apparently consumed quite a few of these over the years. La Floridita went on to popularize the Hemingway daiquiri (shaken) and the larger blended version known as the Papa Doble that add grapefruit juice to the equation. These are both fantastic and we consider them must try cocktails, for sure.

What binds these three recipes together and makes them special is the inclusion of Maraschino liqueur. This is not to be confused with other cherry liqueurs that are red in color and highlight the fleshy fruit character of ripe cherries. We aren’t looking for Cherry Heering or Sangue Morlacco, as delicious and essential as they are in their own right. No, we’re after the clear, complex liqueur that deftly reflects the character of the whole fruit. A liqueur that speaks of the almondy notes of cherry stones at least as prominently as it does of the fruit itself. The pinnacle of the style is found, in our opinion, in the brilliantly rendered Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. It’s a truly excellent expression and as you will note from the recipe, a little bit has a profound impact.

Beyond that it’s a straight shot to daiquiri heaven (if not Havana³) via lime, sugar, ice and a quick spin in the blender. Don't hesitate to make this one, it is easy and absolutely top notch.

Cheers!

El Floridita Frozen Daiquiri

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz. white rum, Havana Club Añejo Blanco Rum
• 1 barspoon Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
• 1 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1 cup ice

SIMPLE STEPS:

1. Add rum, liqueur, lime juice, sugar and ice to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve in a chilled cocktail glass.

Footnotes:

1. We said gratis, not gratuitous but you gotta give good old Binny’s an honest, straightforward plug every now and then. It doesn’thurt that it’s 100% true.
2. The mojito is believed to be a Hemmingway favorite. Particularly the version made at Havana’s La Bodeguita del Medio bar. The claim has been met with some controversy, but it doesn’t take much imagination to buy into it.
3. As Hemmingway famously noted about his experiences in Paris; they travel with you no matter where you go. It’s easy to believe that he might have thought Havana a Movable Feast as well. Or at least a movable cocktail lounge. So, give in to a Havana state of mind while enjoying this classic cocktail, no matter where you find yourself. Maybe drop the needle on some Celia Cruz or Buena Vista Social Club.

Havana Club Rum Anejo Blanco

750 ml Bottle

Havana Club Rum Anejo Blanco

750 ml Bottle

Only 3 Left Check all stores

$20.99

Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

375 ml Bottle

Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

375 ml Bottle

Only 8 Left Check all stores

$28.99