Daiquiri / Cubano

Here's another drink like the Cuba Libre that has two names, depending on if you are just feeling like a rum drink or you want to make a statement about your Cuban heritage. The Daiquiri is a very old drink that has its origins in Grog, the mix of lime juice and rum that sailors used to prevent scurvy. The rum was the incentive for the crew to drink the Grog, since they were unlikely to take regular doses of just lime juice.

The NY Bartender's Guide shows that this recipe was intended to be served up and neat. I like this format for the drink. It is more formal and less finicky than a Frozen Daiquiri.

• 2 oz. light rum
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
•  lime wedge

Combine all ingredients except lime wedge in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime slice. 

Mojito

For some reason the NY Bartender's Guide shows the Mojito double strained and served up. I've no doubt that this was the recipe ages ago. In fact, replace the club soda with sparkling wine and you have The Old Cuban, which is supposed to predate the Mojito.

Nowadays, though, all you see with a Mojito is a bunch of mint and lime in a Collins or pint glass. Do it like this for a more refreshing long drink.

Cruzan light rum is especially flavorful. They don't even make a distinction between their light and dark rums on the labels. Both are called "Aged Rum." There's plenty of sugar and vanilla flavor in these rums, unlike Bacardi, which is hotter and thinner on the palate.

• 2 oz. light rum
• 8-10 mint leaves
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 tsp. sugar
• club soda
• dash Angostura bitters optional

 Muddle mint, sugar and lime juice in a shaker until mint is lightly macerated. Add ice and rum and shake. Pour into a pint or Collins glass. Top with soda and more ice if necessary. Dash angostura bitters on top. (Save some mint and a lime slice for garnishes.)

Cuba Libre / Rum And Coke

Take a Rum & Coke and add a lime slice and you have the classic Cuban spy thriller cocktails, the Cuba Libre. It was the signal flag of reporters and spies meeting in the Havana Hotel to discuss the end of the Spanish occupation of Cuba.

It's so simple to make and really so basic that it is beautiful. I found it to be especially good for afternoon beach drinking in the Caribbean, where you really need to pair down ingredients and tools to keep things simple.

• 2 oz. light rum
• cola
• lime slice

Build cocktail in a double Old Fashioned Glass with ice. Top with cola and stir. Garnish with lime slice.