Hotel Nacional SpecialCocktail recipe
Rating
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The Hotel Nacional Special is a venerable and flavorful cocktail that offers a captivating blend of sweetness, tartness, and tropical notes, making it a favored choice for those who appreciate a multidimensional drinking experience. This cocktail is a delightful amalgamation of rich gold rum, the sharpness of lime juice, the velvetiness of apricot brandy, the sweetness of pineapple juice, and a hint of complexity added by sugar syrup and Daiquiri bitters.
Served in a cocktail glass, this concoction is a nod to the luxurious and exotic, embodying the essence of its namesake, the historic Hotel Nacional in Havana, Cuba. The Hotel Nacional Special is perfect for those who enjoy a cocktail that offers a taste of tropical opulence and historical allure.
Its unique composition and flavor profile have made it a timeless classic in the world of cocktails.
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Ingredients
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
- Gold rum 30ml, Apricot Brandy 10ml, Sugar / simple Syrup 10ml, Lime juice 15ml, Daiquiri Bitters 4 drops, Pineapple Juice 20ml
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- Start by adding 10ml of sugar syrup, 15ml of lime juice, 4 drops of Daiquiri Bitters, 30ml of gold rum, 10ml of apricot brandy, and 20ml of pineapple juice into a shaker filled with ice
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- Vigorously shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds, or until the exterior of the shaker feels frosted, signaling the drink is well-chilled
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- Carefully fine strain the concoction to remove any unwanted ice chips or pulp, ensuring a smooth drink
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- Pour the finely strained liquid into a glass that has been pre-chilled, keeping the drink refreshingly cool
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- Enjoy your expertly crafted cocktail immediately for the best taste and temperature experience
Power tips
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Find out more- Opt for freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly pressed pineapple juice for a more vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Use a gold rum that has been aged to add complexity and depth to the cocktail's flavor profile.
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Your private tasting notes
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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.
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