The Santa Marta Daiquiri is a delightful variation of the classic Daiquiri, distinguished by the addition of Kirschwasser, a clear cherry brandy. This subtle yet impactful twist elevates the traditional rum-based cocktail, adding a layer of fruity complexity and aromatic notes. It’s a drink that honors the past while offering a slightly different experience, perfect for those seeking a classic cocktail with a modern edge.
The Roots of the Santa Marta
The Santa Marta Daiquiri isn’t some modern invention. It was discovered by Joerg Meyer in 2011, in a 1948 edition of the Cuban Cantinero bartender’s journal, El Arte del Cantinero Los Vinos Y Los Licores. This historical connection situates the drink within the rich tradition of Cuban cocktails and the era of classic bartending. The drink represents a slight variation on the “Natural Daiquiri”.
The Daiquiri, in its original form, is believed to have been created by an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox in Cuba around 1900. He allegedly invented the cocktail while entertaining guests, using rum, lime juice, and sugar when he ran out of gin. The Daiquiri is named after a beach and iron mine near Santiago de Cuba and quickly became a favorite amongst American and Cuban clientele.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
The Santa Marta Daiquiri shares most of its ingredients with the classic Daiquiri but introduces a key component. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Light White Rum: 70 ml (2.33 oz). Choose a good quality, charcoal-filtered rum that’s been aged for 1-4 years. Brands like Bacardi Carta Blanca are a solid choice, offering a clean, crisp base. Other options include Plantation 3 Stars or Flor de Caña.
- Fresh Lime Juice: 22.5 ml (0.75 oz). Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lime juice, as it will not have the same vibrant and fresh taste.
- Sugar Syrup (2:1): 15 ml (0.5 oz). Use a rich sugar syrup, made with two parts sugar to one part water. Brands like Monin Pure Cane sugar syrup work well. This ensures the right balance of sweetness.
- Chilled Water: 10 ml (0.33 oz). Adding a touch of chilled water is optional but helps to dilute the drink slightly, especially if you are using wet ice. If using very cold or dry ice, you may omit this ingredient.
- Kirschwasser: 5 ml (1 bar spoon). This is the defining ingredient of the Santa Marta Daiquiri. Kirschwasser is a dry, clear cherry brandy that adds a unique fruity aroma and flavor to the cocktail. A brand like Morand Kirsch Eau de Vie is often recommended for its quality and authenticity.
How to Make a Santa Marta Daiquiri: Step-by-Step
The preparation of the Santa Marta Daiquiri is straightforward, but attention to detail is key. Here’s how to mix the perfect serve:
- Chill Your Glass: Start by chilling a coupe glass. Place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, or fill it with ice while preparing the drink, and then discard the ice before pouring. This will help keep the cocktail cold.
- Prepare the Garnish: Cut a lime wedge for garnish and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the white rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar syrup.
- Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the shaker is chilled. This ensures the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the drink is properly diluted.
- Fine Strain: Fine strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass, making sure to remove all the ice particles.
- Float the Kirschwasser: Carefully float a spoonful of Kirschwasser on the surface of the drink. Use the back of a spoon to gently pour the Kirschwasser so it sits on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the lime wedge on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately.
Serving and Enjoying Your Santa Marta Daiquiri
The Santa Marta Daiquiri is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. The drink’s complex flavor profile can be savored slowly, with the fruity notes of the Kirschwasser complementing the tartness of the lime and the smoothness of the rum.
This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, from a casual evening at home to a sophisticated gathering. Its balanced flavors make it a versatile choice that can appeal to a wide range of palates.
Variations and Riffs
While the Santa Marta Daiquiri is a delicious drink in its own right, there are a few variations you could consider.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, increase the amount of simple syrup. For a more tart drink, reduce the syrup and add a dash of lime.
- Rum Variations: Experiment with different styles of white rum. A rhum agricole might add a grassy note, while an aged white rum could bring subtle oak and vanilla.
- Other Eau-de-vie: If you don’t have Kirschwasser, you could try a different fruit eau-de-vie, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Frozen Santa Marta: To make a frozen version, combine the ingredients with ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Be sure to add the Kirschwasser float after blending.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
As with any cocktail, the quality of the ingredients will greatly impact the final result. Using fresh lime juice, good quality rum, and authentic Kirschwasser will make a significant difference. The Santa Marta Daiquiri is a relatively simple drink, which means every ingredient really shines.
A Timeless Classic
The Santa Marta Daiquiri is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic cocktails. By adding a simple float of Kirschwasser to the timeless Daiquiri recipe, a new dimension of flavor is introduced. It’s a drink that is both refreshing and complex, and perfect for anyone looking to experience the magic of a well-crafted cocktail. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys the art of cocktail making.
