Forgetting the frozen daiquiris amid the debauchery of Bourbon Street in New Orleans (my unfortunate introduction to the daiquiri) I have finally come around to the elegance of a properly-made version of this classic cocktail, with a mock spin.
Like the bastardization of the martini, there are myriad variations on the daiquiri, so I went back to the one of the most basic versions, using a non-alcoholic rum substitute from Lyre’s. Even when I was drinking, I never drank much rum, so I couldn’t tell you a bad one from a good one, which boded well for this ‘White Cane Spirit’ – and partly why I loved this. (I’m guessing anyone who knows rum would find it a piss-poor substitute, but in this instance, as among many, ignorance is bliss.)
In my case, using two parts of the white cane spirit, one part of fresh lime juice, and 3/4 part simple syrup (I used some leftover lavender syrup for this one), I shook it all up on some ice, the strain did into a pretty old cocktail glass that I found in Ogunquit a few years ago. Crisp, refreshing, and alcohol-free, it made for a thirst-quenching glass of freshness that I downed in a few seconds and instantly wanted another.
Summer still lingers, in the air, in the glass, in the month of August…
