Introduction
The Hotel Nacional Special is a cocktail that exudes the glamour and allure of the Prohibition era, a time when creativity in cocktail-making flourished despite the restrictions. This exotic drink, made famous by the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, combines the tropical flavors of rum, apricot liqueur, and pineapple to transport you to a sun-soaked paradise with every sip.
The original recipe hails from the 1930s, a golden age for cocktails, and has been lovingly adapted by modern mixologists, including the renowned Smuggler's Cove. This version retains the classic's vibrant spirit while offering a modern twist that makes it accessible for today's cocktail enthusiasts.
Fun fact: The Hotel Nacional de Cuba, where this cocktail was born, was a favorite haunt for celebrities and dignitaries in its heyday, including the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. Now, you can bring a piece of that glamorous history into your own home bar.
Ingredients
To recreate the Hotel Nacional Special, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients for a taste of tropical luxury:
- 3 Pineapple Chunks: Opt for ripe, juicy pineapple to ensure the best flavor when muddled.
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the cocktail's crisp, tangy base.
- 0.5 oz SC Demerara Syrup: Demerara syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the rum.
- 0.5 oz Natural Apricot Liqueur: A quality apricot liqueur will provide a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1.5 oz Blended Lightly Aged Rum: Choose a lightly aged rum to enhance the drink's smoothness and complexity.
Instructions
Crafting the Hotel Nacional Special is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect balance of flavors:
- Muddle the pineapple chunks with lime juice and syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Add apricot liqueur and rum, then fill with ice, shake, and double-strain into a chilled coupe.
Tips
- Ensure your pineapple is fresh and juicy for the best muddling results and flavor extraction.
- Chill your coupe glass in advance to keep your cocktail refreshingly cold from the first sip to the last.
- Experiment with different rums to find your preferred flavor profile; a lightly aged rum offers a nice balance, but a darker rum can add depth.
- Double-strain your cocktail to remove any pulp or ice shards for a smoother, more refined drink.
Conclusion
The Hotel Nacional Special is a testament to the enduring appeal of tropical cocktails, with its harmonious blend of fruity and rum flavors. This drink is perfect for those looking to add a touch of vintage elegance to their cocktail repertoire.
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Hotel Nacional Special recipe adapted from Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki by Martin Cate.
