Looking for a refreshing cocktail with a patriotic twist? The Declaration Daiquiri Delite is a perfect choice for summer gatherings—or really, anytime you want to celebrate American spirit in liquid form.
This simple yet flavorful rum-based cocktail combines fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and a special red and blue fruit garnish that makes it both delicious and visually striking.
The Declaration Daiquiri takes the classic daiquiri formula and adds a patriotic color scheme that pays homage to the American flag.
The drink keeps that bright, citrusy profile daiquiri lovers crave, while bringing in festive elements perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or whenever you just feel like being a little extra patriotic.
Declaration Daiquiri Delite Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine mesh strainer (for double straining)
- Chilled coupe or martini glass
- Citrus juicer
- Small knife for garnish prep
- Ice cube tray for fresh ice
Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum preferably aged for 2-3 years
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ¼ oz maraschino liqueur
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Lime wheel for garnish
Simple Syrup Recipe:
- Mix equal parts sugar and hot water
- Stir until sugar dissolves
- Cool before using
Instructions
- Prep Work: Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: Add rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters to your cocktail shaker.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker about ¾ full with fresh, cold ice cubes.
- Shake Vigorously: Shake for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty in your hands.
- Double Strain: Pour through both the Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass to get rid of ice shards and lime pulp.
- Garnish: Pop a thin lime wheel on the rim of the glass.
- Serve it right away, while it’s icy cold. If you did it right, you’ll see a light froth on top from all that shaking.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Declaration Daiquiri Delite strikes a nice balance between sweet and tart. The rum gives it a warm, slightly spicy backbone that anchors the whole thing.
Fresh lime juice brings a bright snap of acidity, cutting through the sweetness. The simple syrup adds just enough sugar to round out the flavors.
There’s a subtle orange note from the Cointreau that sneaks in, adding complexity and tying the citrus together. It’s not overpowering, but you’ll notice it.
Aroma: Fresh citrus with hints of rum and orange
First Sip: Bright lime, then a gentle rum warmth
Finish: Clean, lingering sweetness
The texture is smooth and refreshing, with just the right amount of dilution from shaking over ice. It should feel light on your palate—not heavy at all.
Temperature really matters here. Serve it very cold for the best flavor and that ultimate refreshing kick.
Some foods that pair well:
- Grilled seafood
- Spicy appetizers
- Tropical fruit desserts
- Cuban-inspired dishes
The Declaration Daiquiri Delite is at its best when you drink it right after making it, while it’s still cold and lively.
Substitute
If you don’t have the ingredients for a Declaration Daiquiri Delite, no worries—you can make simple swaps.
No white rum? Try vodka or even light tequila. The flavor will shift a bit, but honestly, both spirits still play nicely with the other ingredients.
Fresh grapefruit juice out of reach? Bottled juice works in a pinch. Pink grapefruit juice brings a nice color and, if you ask me, a slightly sweeter kick.
Common Substitutions:
- White rum → Vodka or light tequila
- Fresh lime juice → Bottled lime juice (use about 25% less)
- Maraschino liqueur → Cherry syrup with just a drop of almond extract
- Grapefruit juice → Orange juice (it’ll be sweeter, but sometimes that’s good)
For a non-alcoholic version, swap the rum for grapefruit soda and skip the maraschino liqueur. Add a splash of cherry syrup for a little sweetness—why not?
If you’re after something less tart, try using simple syrup in place of some of the lime juice. Maybe start with a 1:4 ratio of syrup to juice, then adjust until it tastes just right to you.
Garnishes are flexible too. Don’t have grapefruit slices? An orange wheel or a cherry works just fine.
