Before There Was Vegas…

The El Foridita Bar in Havana, Cuba – Home of the Maragato

 

Back in the day, Havana was the playground for all of North America.  Before Vegas, before New Orleans, before Miami, the place to be was Havana.  The action was non-stop, the weather was tropical and the cigars were amazing.  Then came Castro and the revolution, and, oh well…  Amid the blandness of “modern” Cuba, though, the El Floridita still reigns supreme.  It is considered the birthplace of the daiquiri, was frequented by Ernest Hemingway and was and is the place to be in Havana. 

In addition to the daiquiri, another cocktail that owes its origin to the El Floridita is the Maragato.  This is an incredibly tasty blend of silver rum, sweet and dry vermouth, orange and lime juice and (but of course) maraschino liqueur.  The rum provides a nice base, the vermouths dance wonderfully together with the orange juice, while the lime juice and maraschino provide the high notes on the finish of this drink.  It is not overly sweet like many orange juice drinks.  This one may very well become a favorite at the Twilight Lounge this summer.

  Maragato

• 1 oz silver rum
• 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/8 oz Luxardo Maraschino liqueur

 

Shake all the ingredients together in your shaker.  Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange peel twist and enjoy!

Cheers!