Traditional Strawberry Daiquiri (Shaken Cocktail with Fresh Strawberries & Rum)

Bright, tart, and refreshingly simple, the Traditional Strawberry Daiquiri proves you don’t need a blender to enjoy this iconic cocktail. This shaken Cuban-style recipe highlights fresh strawberries, rum, and lime for a crisp balance of fruit and citrus — a refined alternative to the frozen daiquiri you might already know.

Background

The daiquiri traces its roots back to Cuba in the late 1800s, where American engineer Jennings Cox first mixed rum, lime, and sugar near the town of Daiquirí. The simple three-ingredient classic became a staple, loved by Ernest Hemingway and U.S. presidents alike.

The strawberry version gained popularity much later, particularly once blenders made fruitier cocktails more accessible. But long before frozen slushies took over poolside menus, bartenders were shaking strawberries into daiquiris for a fresher, lighter take. That’s the tradition this recipe preserves.

What You’ll Need

• Light Rum – The smooth, tropical backbone that ties everything together.
• Fresh Strawberries – Add vibrant color and natural sweetness.
• Lime Juice – Sharp acidity keeps the cocktail crisp and balanced.
• Sugar – A touch of sweetness rounds out the tart fruit.
• Strawberry Liqueur – Boosts the berry flavor with an aromatic kick.

A Shaken Twist on a Classic

Fruit-forward but still elegant. The shaken Strawberry Daiquiri is cleaner, lighter, and less filling than its frozen cousin. Instead of blending with ice, shaking extracts fresh strawberry flavor while keeping the texture smooth. Think of it as the cocktail-bar version of the drink — ideal for when you want something sophisticated without losing the fruity fun.

(Prefer the slushy style? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with our Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri recipe.)

Substitutions & Variations

• Rum – Try aged rum for deeper flavor or swap in vodka for a neutral base.
• Strawberry Liqueur – Raspberry liqueur makes a fun twist.
• Sweetener – Simple syrup mixes in more easily than granulated sugar.
• Citrus – Lemon juice works in a pinch, though it shifts the flavor.
• Seasonal Fruits – Muddle raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches for variations.

Helpful Tips

• Glassware – Serve in a chilled cocktail (martini) glass for a classic presentation.
• Straining – Fine strain to remove pulp and seeds for a smooth sip.
• Garnish – A fresh strawberry on the rim or a lime wheel makes it pop.
• Food Pairings – Try with light summer fare like ceviche, grilled shrimp, or a fresh salad.
• Batching – Scale up for parties by pre-mixing rum, liqueur, lime, and sugar. Shake individual servings with fresh strawberries.

---