The Best Cuban Rum Cocktails To Try

There is something about Cuba that seems to lend itself to cocktails. Just ask Ernest Hemingway, who by all accounts spent many an afternoon sampling the various tipples on offer in Old Havana. Here are some of the best Cuban rum cocktails to try.

Mojito

Arguably the most common cocktail around the world, the mojito was born in Cuba. Make sure you try some on your trip to the island; you’ll be able to get one wherever you go.

“Ron” replaces “Tom” in this Cuban take on the classic Tom Collins. This is a simple concoction of rum, sugar syrup, and lime added to some sparkling water and ice, which makes for a refreshing cocktail.

Daiquiri

One of the most famous Cuban rum cocktails, this classic has taken on many different forms around the world. Try it in a martini glass over ice for the authentic experience, and leave those synthentic fruit flavors alone!

El Presidente

This cocktail became popular in the Prohibition era of the 1930s when Americans would descend on Havana to indulge in their forbidden drinking hobby. They would raise their glasses to the Cuban president, Gerardo Machado, who let them sample the island’s finest rum.

Canchánchara

Supposedly a predecessor to both the mojito and the daquiri, this simple cocktail brings together rum, honey, and lime. Try it with Havana Club 7 to get the full experience.

El Nacional

Created at the iconic Hotel Nacional in the Vedado neighbourhood of Havana, these rum cocktails ooze flavour. It’s a mixture of dark rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, and lime—with sugar syrup and ice cubes.

Cuba Libre

One of the simplest cocktails around, most people will have tried a Cuba Libre. However some forget to add the generous squeeze of lime to the cola and rum mixture, which adds an all-important sour note. Be careful because these cocktails slide down incredibly easily.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.