El Floridita: The Legendary Havana Cradle of the Daiquiri and Cuban Cigars

Located at the historic intersection of Calle Obispo and Calle Monserrate in Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), El Floridita is one of the world’s most storied cocktail bars.

Originally opened in 1817 under the name La Piña de Plata, the bar evolved into an international icon during the golden cocktail era of the 1930s and 1940s, earning the proud title “La Cuna del Daiquirí” (The Cradle of the Daiquiri).

For over two decades, El Floridita served as the daily writing sanctuary, social hub, and watering hole for Nobel laureate Ernest Hemingway, forever linking Cuban rum, literary heritage, and the aroma of fine Habanos.

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The Birth of the Frozen Daiquiri (Daiquirí Frappé)

While the original Daiquiri originated in the iron mining town of Daiquirí near Santiago de Cuba, it was Spanish-born cantinero Constantino Ribalaigua Vert (affectionately known as “El Constante”), the legendary owner of El Floridita, who elevated the recipe to an art form.

Constantino introduced shaved ice blended to snow-like consistency (frappé) using early electric blenders, balanced with fresh Key lime juice, Havana Club rum, and a delicate splash of Italian Luxardo Maraschino liqueur.

Hemingway, who spent his mornings writing at Finca Vigía or the Hotel Ambos Mundos, would walk into El Floridita in the afternoon and order his customized creation: double rum, grapefruit juice, and no sugar, christened the Papa Doble.

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Pairing Cigars with Cuban Cocktails

In Havana, sitting at the mahogany bar of El Floridita while enjoying a freshly hand-rolled Habano remains an unforgettable sensory experience. The bright acidity of fresh lime and the caramel sugarcane notes of aged Cuban rum provide the perfect contrast to rich, earthy tobacco:

1. Montecristo No. 4 with a Daiquiri: The bitter cocoa and roasted coffee notes of the Montecristo are balanced by the crisp citrus and maraschino sweetness.
2. Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 with Aged Rum: The creamy cedar and toasted almond profile of the Epicure No. 2 harmonizes gracefully with a pour of 7-year Havana Club served neat with a lime twist.
3. Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill with a Mojito: The floral sweetness and mild spice of Romeo y Julieta complement the fresh spearmint and lime oils.

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Experiencing Havana’s Living Heritage

Today, a life-size bronze statue of Ernest Hemingway sits at his favored stool at the far corner of the bar. El Floridita continues to welcome travelers, cigar connoisseurs, and cocktail historians from across the globe, preserving the authentic charm, live son cubano music, and timeless cocktail craftsmanship of pre-revolutionary Havana.

Explore our selection of classic Habanos Cigars and bring the authentic taste of Havana to your home lounge.

Frequently asked questions

Where is El Floridita located in Havana?

El Floridita is located at the corner of Calle Obispo and Calle Monserrate in Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), Cuba.

What was Ernest Hemingway's signature drink at El Floridita?

Hemingway's signature drink was the 'Papa Doble' (also known as the Hemingway Special): a frozen Daiquiri made with double white rum, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur, without added sugar.

What Cuban cigars pair well with a classic rum cocktail?

A medium-bodied Habano like a Montecristo No. 4, Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, or Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill pairs exceptionally well with the crisp citrus and sugarcane notes of a Cuban rum cocktail.