Hotel Nacional SpecialCocktail recipe
Rating
Microbadges
Cocktail glass
Ingredients
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Cocktail Colin says:
The Hotel Nacional Special masterfully balances the robustness of gold rum with the zesty punch of lime juice, artfully softened by the luxurious notes of apricot brandy and the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice. The addition of Daiquiri bitters introduces a subtle complexity that ties the drink together, offering a tantalizing glimpse into Cuba's rich cocktail heritage encapsulated in each sip.
Method
How to make a Hotel Nacional Special
-
- Start by adding all the cocktail components into a shaker filled with ice, ensuring a good mix of flavors
-
- Vigorously shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds, or until the exterior of the shaker feels frosted, signaling the drink is well-chilled
-
- Carefully fine strain the concoction to remove any unwanted ice chips or pulp, ensuring a smooth drink
-
- Pour the finely strained liquid into a glass that has been pre-chilled, keeping the drink refreshingly cool
-
- Enjoy your expertly crafted cocktail immediately for the best taste and temperature experience
Your private tasting notes
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Featured in
FAQ's
What is the origin of the Hotel Nacional Special?
The Hotel Nacional Special is named after the famous Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana. It's a classic cocktail with roots in the golden age of Cuban cocktails, which flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, a period when Havana was a hotspot for American tourists during the Prohibition era. This cocktail epitomizes the luxurious and exotic flair of its namesake.
Can I substitute the Gold rum with another type of rum?
Yes, you can substitute the Gold rum with another type of rum if preferred. Light rum will make the cocktail a bit lighter and less robust, while dark rum can add a richer, more complex flavor. However, Gold rum is recommended for its balanced aroma and flavor, which complements the other ingredients well.
Is it necessary to use Daiquiri Bitters, or are there alternatives?
While Daiquiri Bitters are specified for this cocktail to give it a specific taste profile, you can experiment with other bitters if Daiquiri Bitters are unavailable. Aromatic bitters or orange bitters could be intriguing alternatives, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Use them sparingly to not overpower the delicate balance of the cocktail.
Why is the Hotel Nacional Special not shaken or stirred?
The Hotel Nacional Special is assembled directly in the glass to maintain a delicate balance of flavors and textures. Stirring or shaking could overly dilute the drink or change its character. The method of preparation ensures that each sip offers the intended harmony of its diverse ingredients, reflecting the sophistication of the cocktail's origin.
How can I adjust the cocktail if I find it too sweet or too tart?
If the Hotel Nacional Special is too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar syrup or apricot brandy slightly, or add a bit more lime juice to increase tartness. Conversely, if it's too tart, increase the sugar syrup or reduce the lime juice slightly. Adjusting the balance between sweetness and tartness according to personal preference can make the cocktail more enjoyable for you.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A pesonalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
You might also like
Hemingway Special Daiquiri (Papa Doble)
The Hemingway Special Daiquiri, also famously known as the Papa Doble, harbors a tantalizing blend of rich flavors that showcase...
Bararcuda
The Bararcuda is a vibrant and luxurious cocktail that brings together the rich sweetness of Galliano, the crispness of lime...
Amaretto Colada
The Amaretto Colada is a rich and creamy cocktail that presents a delightful blend of sweet and tropical flavors. It...
Three Dots and a Dash
Three Dots and a Dash is a tantalizing tiki cocktail that brims with the essence of tropical flavors and vibrant...
Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me A Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creating
Comments
No comments yet…
You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register