Canchanchara
CLASSIC · CUBAN AGUARDIENTE

Canchanchara

A rustic Cuban classic believed to date back to the Ten Years' War, the Canchanchara is one of the oldest known cocktails from the island - a simple, soulful blend of aguardiente, honey, lime, and water served over cracked ice.

Ingredients
Fresh Lime Juice15 ml
Raw Honey15 ml
Water30 ml
Cracked Ice
Lime Wedge
Glassware
earthenware cup or rocks glass
Chilled.
Flavor
BODYSWEETFRUITACIDHEATSMOKEEARTHBITTER

Heat (burn) · Honey · Lime

Estimated profile

Method
  1. 1

    Combine honey and water in the glass and stir vigorously until the honey is fully dissolved.

  2. 2

    Add fresh lime juice and stir to combine.

  3. 3

    Coat the bottom and sides of the glass with the mixture by swirling.

  4. 4

    Fill the glass with cracked ice.

  5. 5

    Pour the Cuban aguardiente over the ice.

  6. 6

    Stir energetically from bottom to top until well combined and chilled.

  7. 7

    Garnish with a lime wedge.

From the Bartender

Traditionally served in an unglazed clay cup called a jícara, which slightly chills and subtly earthens the drink - if you can source one, it transforms the experience. Cuban aguardiente is an unaged cane spirit rougher than white rum; a light white rum is the closest modern substitute.

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