We Asked 3 Bartenders to Name the Best Rum for a Daiquiri, and They All Said the Same Thing

The daiquiri is one of those cocktails that seems almost too simple to be so legendary — just rum, lime, and sugar shaken into frosty perfection. Yet behind this unassuming trio lies a rich history. This refreshing concoction originated in the mining town of Daiquiri, Cuba, as a respite for miners from the tropical sun. 

Over time, the cocktail has evolved, taking on various forms (frozen or otherwise), but it continues to embody simplicity, proving that a remarkable drink doesn’t have to be complex.

I spoke to a few bartenders, and the consensus is clear (literally!): If you want to craft a classic daiquiri, reach for a clear rum.

Clear, also known as white, rums are typically unaged or only lightly aged, which gives them a cleaner profile that doesn’t overpower the drink. But don’t get it twisted — just because they’re clear doesn’t mean they lack character. Depending on the region, these rums can vary widely in flavor.

If you want to stay true to the daiquiris of yesteryear, Justin Levaughn, owner and beverage director of Otto’s High Dive, a Cuban rum bar in Orlando, prefers Probitas, a blend of column-stilled and pot-stilled rums. “Back then, in Daiquiri, Cuba, distillation was still a pretty young science, so the rums still had a lot of funk. Probitas keeps some of that funk,” he explains.

“Probitas is going to give you a lot of grassiness. It delivers a lot of green herbs and has a vegetal backbone. You’re also going to get a lot of really ripe fruits, like mango and pineapple,” adds Justin. This complexity, he says, is ideal for getting both new and seasoned rum drinkers excited about the cocktail.

Buy: Foursquare Probitas Rum, $28.99 for 750 mL at Total Wine

For LyAnna Sanabria, co-founder of Papi Portland, a Puerto Rican rum bar in Maine, the best rum complements the cocktail without overpowering it. LyAnna swears by Don Q Cristal, a Puerto Rican rum she describes as “clean and sharp.”

She appreciates its lack of excessive aromatics, which allows every element of the daiquiri to shine through. “The Don Q Cristal doesn’t argue. It’s not too thick or flabby. It keeps that clean mid-palate and has a perfect balance of flavor,” says LyAnna. “Don Q Cristal doesn’t have that much going on, and that’s exactly why I like it.”

Buy: Don Q Cristal Rum, $12.49 for 750 mL at Total Wine

If you’re after a bit more depth in your daiquiri, Billy Dalla Pola, bartender at Koana Room, a Tiki bar in Miami, suggests starting with El Dorado 3, a Demerara-style white rum from Guyana. “With the El Dorado 3, you get a hint of toasted caramel, but it’s not too sweet, super smooth, and silky. It’s a bit closer to dark rum, but it’s not dark rum.”

Buy: El Dorado 3 Year Old Rum, $19.99 for 750 mL at Total Wine

When it comes to mastering the daiquiri at home, these bartenders shared a few tips with me to ensure your cocktail is as expertly crafted as the ones served in their bars.

• Raw sugar goes a long way. Justin advises using raw cane sugar to preserve the flavor in your simple syrup. “It adds body to your daiquiri, making it more rum-forward,” he explains. His preferred ratio is 2 ounces of rum, 3/4 ounces of lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup (made from two parts sugar to one part water). 
• Shatter the ice with your daiquiri shake. This ensures the cocktail is cold and well-diluted. “Do three really aggressive shakes — schook schook schook — to shatter the ice more than normal and then a solid shake for about 10 seconds,” says LyAnna. “The outside of the tin should develop a thick frost coat and get so cold that my hands almost stick to it.”
• Don’t be afraid to experiment — or, better yet, please experiment. “The daiquiri has endless possibilities,” explains Billy, who encourages home bartenders to try different rums to discover their personal preferences. “In the end, that makes it a really fun cocktail and one of my favorites. You can dry it out, make it funkier to broaden the horizons, or make an earthier daiquiri.”

What rum do you use to make a daiquiri? Tell us about it in the comments below.