Modified Daiquiri Reviews
What addition makes the drink more interesting without completely taking over and changing the character?
Last time, I discussed 3 different fruit liqueurs that may be a good addition to the standard daiquiri to make the drink pop a bit more. And I hypothesized about what they might taste like when incorporated. But I did not make and taste the resulting drinks, so that’s what I’m doing today.
First things first: the recipe. I’m keeping the same overall ratio that I started with, but now I’m adding a half ounce of the liqueur to the bill. This makes it a 4.5 oz drink that’s shaken with ice, and served over more ice, so be sure to use at least an 8 oz glass for this one…
Maraschino
The main thing to note here is that the color change is minimal since the liqueur is clear. Visually, this is still a pure daiquiri and I think that does enhance the overall drinkability.
With Uruapas
The nuttiness from the liqueur is obvious here. You can smell it, and it’s the first thing you taste. But then it gives way to the rum funkiness, and since that wasn’t your first taste it feels a bit more interesting here. The mix of strong flavors as you drink leads to increased overall funk, but also more fun.
With Diplomatico Planas
Here I didn’t smell the nuttiness or taste it up front, but it was the clearest note on the finish. The rum is still the dominating flavor up front, and it doesn’t read as quite as big of a modification in this drink. It’s just a nice unique note to end on rather than just being left with a sour sweetness.
Creme de Cassis
You see a massive color change here, and if you serve this to someone who asked for a daiquiri they’re going to be confused. Is that fun, or is that dumb? I honestly can’t decide.
With Uruapas
The drink just overall tastes a bit fuller. I don’t get any actual taste of currant, but it also doesn’t drink much sweeter. There’s just a heightened balance that might be a bit too much - I think in an effort to make the drink more interesting, I made it a bit more boring here instead.
With Diplomatico Planas
This definitely drinks sweeter, and up front it’s almost cloying. But it fully exits the palate and the finish is still very sour. It’s almost jarring how sweet it starts and how sour it finishes. The rum gets a bit lost as a result, but it’s certainly a tropical profile overall. This feels like true Tiki in a way most of these don’t.
Chambord
I was surprised with the minimal color change here, but there definitely is some. Maybe not enough to invite a question, especially since I’m using a dark syrup, but you can tell there’s something else going on.
With Uruapas
The raspberry flavor is here, but it’s strangely independent of everything else. It’s basically exactly the same drink, just this time there’s some raspberry along for the ride. That’s interesting, but weird.
With Diplomatico Planas
Somehow it’s pretty much the same here, though the raspberry doesn’t really seem to show up up front. It hits in the palate and lingers on top of the rest, but the first sip is still just the rum.