Cuban Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Cuban Breeze Nutrition Facts

Calories:350

Fat:5g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:40g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Cuban Breeze cocktail is a refreshing and tropical drink that originated in Cuba. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and tropical flavors. The Cuban Breeze is a popular choice for beachside vacations and poolside parties.

  • The Cuban Breeze was created in the early 20th century in Cuba
  • It was inspired by the island's tropical climate and abundance of fresh fruit
  • The cocktail quickly gained popularity among tourists and locals alike

How Cuban Breeze Tastes?

The Cuban Breeze has a sweet and fruity taste with a hint of tartness. It is light and refreshing, with a smooth and slightly creamy texture. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and rum creates a tropical and exotic flavor profile.

Interesting facts about Cuban Breeze

  • The Cuban Breeze is sometimes referred to as a 'tropical vacation in a glass'
  • This cocktail is often served in a hurricane glass, which is designed to showcase its vibrant colors and garnishes
  • The Cuban Breeze is a popular choice for summer parties and outdoor events

Ingredients

White rum

White rum is the spirit base of our Cuban Breeze, providing a clean, crisp alcoholic backbone. The 2 oz volume is just right—not too boozy, not too timid. Without it, you'd lose the cocktail's kick. Substitute: Aged rum could add depth, but you'd lose some freshness.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple juice

4 oz of pineapple juice brings a tropical sweetness and tartness, complementing the rum perfectly. Skimp on this and the drink becomes less vibrant. Too much, and it's a pineapple punch.

Alex Green

Coconut cream

1 oz of coconut cream adds a luxurious texture and a hint of the exotic. It rounds out the flavors, softening the acidity of the pineapple. Leave it out, and you say goodbye to the creamy dream.

Emma Rose

Angostura bitters

Just 2 dashes, but these are crucial for complexity, giving our Cuban Breeze a subtle spiced undercurrent. Bitters are like the salt of cocktails; forget them, and the drink tastes flat.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

1 cup to chill and dilute. Your cocktail should be cool and refreshing, not a lukewarm oddity. Too little ice and you miss the proper dilution, too much and you'll drown the flavors.

Alex Green

Pineapple wedge

A cheerful garnish that's edible and adds a scent that beckons you to the tropics. It's the finishing touch that also says, 'Life's a beach!'

Emma Rose

Grenadine

0.5 oz for a blushing hue and a hint of sweetness. Grenadine is the sunset in your glass, the final flourish. Without it, the presentation lacks punch. Overdo it, and your cocktail becomes a sugary mess.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Cuban Breeze Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and Angostura bitters
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined
  4. Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice
  5. Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect
  6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more vibrant and fresh flavor
  • Pour the grenadine slowly to create a beautiful layered effect

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Ceviche: The fresh citrus flavors of ceviche complement the tropical notes of the Cuban Breeze.
  • Coconut Shrimp: Coconut in both the shrimp and the cocktail create a harmonious tropical pairing.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken or Fish: Lightly spiced and grilled proteins balance the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Caribbean-Inspired Dishes: Spicy jerk chicken or pork matches the sweetness and the hint of bitters in the cocktail.

Desserts

  • Tropical Fruit Salad: Enhances the fruity flavors in the cocktail.
  • Key Lime Pie: A tangy dessert that contrasts the cocktail's sweetness.

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What you could change in Cuban Breeze

  • White rum can be substituted with dark rum for a deeper flavor
  • Coconut cream can be replaced with coconut milk for a lighter texture
  • Pineapple juice can be replaced with mango juice for a different tropical twist

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Berry Breeze

  • Ingredients: Replace rum with vodka and add a splash of cranberry juice.
  • Recipe: Use vodka instead of rum for a lighter touch, and add a bit of cranberry juice for tartness. The resulting Berry Breeze has a more northern appeal, while still hinting at tropical nights—just less overtly so.
  • Taste: A brighter, tarter profile that leans into berry sweetness.

Spicy Breeze

  • Ingredients: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a splash of lime juice.
  • Recipe: The punch of heat from cayenne pepper brings an unexpected twist, while lime juice adds a zesty kick. Shake it up and surprise your guests with a cocktail that sails a bit closer to the edge.
  • Taste: A spicy kick that'll keep you on your toes, balanced with citrus zing.

Minty Cuban

  • Ingredients: Muddle fresh mint leaves and swap grenadine for simple syrup.
  • Recipe: Start by muddling mint in your shaker, then follow the original recipe, ommitting the grenadine and opting for simple syrup instead. A sprig of mint as garnish seals the deal, creating a Cuban Breeze that whispers of mojito cousins.
  • Taste: An herby freshness that plays well with the rum's natural sweetness.

In case you forgot basics how to make Cuban Breeze

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cuban Breeze

Can I use flavored rum for a unique twist on this cocktail?

Yes, using flavored rum, like coconut or pineapple, would add an additional dimension to the Cuban Breeze and could make for a unique variant.

I am unable to find Angostura bitters. What can I substitute it with?

Orange bitters or Peychaud's bitters can be a good substitute for Angostura bitters.

Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the rum with coconut water or any non-alcoholic beverage of your liking to make a fun and refreshing mocktail.

What kind of occasions is this cocktail usually served?

The Cuban Breeze is a popular choice for beach parties, barbeques, summer get-togethers, and any tropical-themed parties.

What kind of food pairs well with this cocktail?

Being a tropical flavored cocktail, the Cuban Breeze pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, or any dishes with bold, spicy flavors.

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