description Hotel Nacional Overview
The Hotel Nacional is a Cuban rum cocktail associated with the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana and with the cocktail culture of the 1930s. It is generally made by shaking rum, apricot liqueur or brandy, pineapple juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup, then straining the mixture into a chilled glass. The drink combines tropical fruit with tart citrus and stone-fruit flavors and is intended for drinkers exploring historic Cuban cocktails beyond the daiquiri and mojito.
help Hotel Nacional FAQ
What are the ingredients in a Hotel Nacional cocktail?
The classic recipe blends rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and apricot liqueur, which is traditionally shaken and served up. Some historical variations also call for a touch of sugar syrup to balance the tartness of the citrus.
Where does the Hotel Nacional cocktail get its name?
The drink is named after the famous Hotel Nacional de Cuba, an iconic historic hotel located in Havana, Cuba. It gained prominence there during the vibrant Cuban cocktail culture of the 1930s.
What type of rum is best for a Hotel Nacional?
A high-quality Cuban-style rum, specifically white rum, is the traditional choice for this drink to honor its Havana origins. Since authentic Cuban rum is often difficult to obtain in the United States due to trade embargoes, mixologists frequently substitute it with a good Puerto Rican or Dominican rum.
How does the Hotel Nacional cocktail differ from a Mai Tai?
While both are classic rum-based tropical cocktails, the Hotel Nacional relies strictly on apricot liqueur and pineapple juice for its fruity flavor. A traditional Mai Tai, by contrast, uses orange curaçao and almond syrup (orgeat) rather than pineapple or apricot flavors.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
