Visiting Havana and not enjoying the best of their cuisine is like not visiting Havana. That’s why we’ve picked our 4 favourite drinks from our friends in Vistar Magazine so they can enjoy Havana anywhere in the world.
Mojito
Cuba’s climate has crowned this drink as the undisputed king of summer. The drink dates back to the time of the American Dry Law. When Americans wanted to drink alcohol legally they had to travel outside the United States, and Cuba was just the ideal destination. In the United States, there is a cocktail similar to a mojito but made with bourbon. As there was no drink in the Caribbean, it was replaced by Ron Añejo Blanco, and in this way, the Cuban mojito became one of the most popular cocktails in Cuba. Perhaps one of its biggest gifts to the world.
Mary Pickford
The Mary Pickford cocktail is believed to have been created in 1928 by legendary American bartender and eternal night owl, Eddie Woelke, who left his country during the Dry Law to come to Havana. Eddie Woelke became a renowned bartender. He used to work at the Hotel Sevilla-Biltmore, at the Casino, and then at the famous Jockey Club. In the latter, taking advantage of the one that Mary Pickford was filming a film in Havana, she created a cocktail in honour of the actress and named it after her. Mary Pickford carries 1 1/2 ounces of pineapple juice, 1 1/2 ounces white rum, 1 teaspoon Marasneedian, and chunks of ice and stirred and served strained into a cocktail glass. Other notable Eddie Woelke creations include President, Dorothy Gish or the National Cocktail.
Saoco
Saoco is a traditional Cuban drink that is prepared by mixing rum or brandy with coconut water. It is an ideal cocktail to drink on the beach for its pleasant taste, very fresh and natural. Although it can be served in a tall glass, it is best to use a natural container accompanied by a straw or absorbent. Making it is quite easy. Just mix 2 ounces of white rum, 4 ounces of coconut water and add ice cubes.
Hemingway Special
A cocktail that takes its name from the famous American writer, who spent quite some time on the island, and even wrote some of its most famous stories while staying at his finca. This exquisite drink is made with two lines of silver dry white rum, two tablespoons of grapefruit juice, a teaspoon of Marrasquino liqueur, lemon juice and enough ice to fill a long glass.