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Havana
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.4 / 5
The Havana cocktail is a refreshing and fruit-forward drink that takes its inspiration from tropical flavors. With a base of tangy lemon juice, the sweetness and apricot notes from the apricot liqueur elegantly blend with the depth and complexity of Swedish Punsch, a traditional liqueur that combines flavors of spices and citrus. The gin adds a botanical dimension that grounds the sweeter elements with its dry, herbal character. Served in a sophisticated cocktail glass, Havana offers a balanced mix of sweet, tart, and strong flavors – a beverage that's as vibrant and lively as the Cuban capital it's named after.
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Microbadges

Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Base ingredient
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Gin
Calories
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127 calories
Garnish
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Lemon
Alcohol content
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24.17% | 2.18 units *

Tags

Gin ingredient icon
Gin cocktails
Apricot Liqueur ingredient icon
Top ten Apricot Liqueur cocktails
Swedish Punsch ingredient icon
Top ten Swedish Punsch cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lemon Juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Havana cocktail
Lemon Juice
Apricot Liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the Havana cocktail
Apricot Liqueur
Swedish Punsch cocktail ingredient icon for the Havana cocktail
Swedish Punsch
Gin cocktail ingredient icon for the Havana cocktail
Gin
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Havana cocktail offers a delightful escapade into tropical flavor, with its mix of tangy lemon juice and sweet apricot liqueur setting a lively stage for the intriguingly complex Swedish Punsch. The gin anchors these vibrant components with its dry, botanical notes, resulting in a well-rounded drink that captures the essence of its namesake city's spirited charm.

Method
How to make a Havana

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
Shake well then strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a lemon peel twist and serve

Power tips
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Single strain (instead of double straining) the cocktail into the glass to allow tiny shards of ice, providing an extra layer of texture.
Use an apricot liqueur with a high fruit content for a more authentic and vivid apricot flavor.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  ·  Twist  · 

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FAQ's

Preparation techniques icon

What is the best way to chill the glass for serving the Havana cocktail?

The best way to chill a cocktail glass for serving the Havana cocktail is to fill the glass with ice and cold water and let it sit for a few minutes before emptying it. Alternatively, you can place the glass in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute another liqueur for the apricot liqueur in the Havana cocktail?

Yes, you can substitute another fruit-flavored liqueur for the apricot liqueur if desired. Peach liqueur or orange liqueur could provide a similar flavor profile, but keep in mind that this will alter the original taste of the Havana cocktail.

Ingredient substitutions icon

What is Swedish Punsch, and is there a substitute for it in the Havana cocktail?

Swedish Punsch is a sweet, spiced liqueur made from rum and sugar, along with other flavors. It's a traditional component in several cocktails. If it's unavailable, a good substitute might be a dark rum or a spiced rum, though this will change the cocktail's flavor slightly.

Customization ideas icon

What makes the Havana cocktail unique compared to other gin-based cocktails?

What sets the Havana cocktail apart from other gin-based cocktails is the unique combination of gin with Swedish Punsch and apricot liqueur, offering a blend of sweetness, tartness, and a hint of spice. This mix provides a distinctive flavor profile not commonly found in other gin cocktails.

Garnishing tips icon

How should I garnish the Havana cocktail for an authentic presentation?

For an authentic presentation, the Havana cocktail can be garnished with a lemon twist or a slice of lemon. This not only adds a decorative touch but also complements the citrus notes from the lemon juice in the cocktail.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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