Alcohol-Free Daiquiri

Name: Alcohol-Free Daiquiri
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1½ oz (44 ml) rum substitute (such as Seedlip Spiced, Ghia, or alcohol-free rum-style spirit), at room temperature; ¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice, freshly squeezed, strained of pulp and seeds; ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water), chilled; 1 cup (240 ml) ice cubes, fresh, for shaking; ½ whole lime wheel or twist, for garnish (optional)

From the MyKitchenBank Kitchen

A refreshing Cuban-inspired mocktail that captures the essence of a classic daiquiri without the rum. Fresh lime juice, aromatic simple syrup, and a carefully chosen rum substitute create a perfectly balanced drink with bright citrus notes and subtle sweetness. Served ice-cold and shaken to silky perfection, this is ideal for any occasion—whether you're abstaining, driving, or simply want a crisp, sophisticated non-alcoholic option.

Prep: 5 min
Cook: —
Total: 5 min
Makes: 1 cocktail (about 5 oz / 150 ml)

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Steps

Before you start

Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes
Have fresh ice ready (preferably cubed, not crushed)
Use fresh lime juice—bottled will not deliver the same brightness

1
Chill your glass
- Place your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes to ensure it's ice-cold when you pour.
- A frosted glass keeps the drink cold longer and enhances the drinking experience.
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Ready when: Glass is frosty and very cold
Tip: If you're in a hurry, fill the glass with ice and set aside while you prepare the drink, then discard the ice and pour into the chilled glass.
2
Fill shaker with ice
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway (roughly ½ cup / 120 ml) with fresh ice cubes.
- Use quality ice—large cubes melt more slowly and keep your drink colder and less diluted.
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Ready when: Shaker is half full of ice
Tip: Use ice made from filtered or distilled water if possible to avoid off-flavors.
3
Measure and add ingredients
- Pour 1.5 oz (44 ml) of rum substitute into the shaker, followed by 0.75 oz (22 ml) of fresh lime juice and 0.5 oz (15 ml) of chilled simple syrup.
- The ratio balances the tartness of lime with subtle sweetness and the botanical or spiced notes of the rum substitute.
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Ready when: All three liquids are in the shaker
Tip: Use a jigger for accuracy; eyeballing will throw off the balance. Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable—it's what gives this drink its soul.
4
Shake vigorously
- Seal the shaker and shake hard and fast for 8–10 seconds.
- You should hear the ice clinking loudly and feel the shaker getting frosty on the outside.
- The drink is properly shaken when it's ice-cold, well-chilled, and slightly diluted by the melting ice.
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Ready when: Shaker is frosted white on the outside, ice is broken into smaller pieces
Tip: Don't under-shake. A proper daiquiri needs vigorous shaking to chill and slightly aerate the drink. Longer shaking dilutes it just slightly more, which is actually desirable.
5
Strain into glass
- Using a Hawthorne strainer or fine-mesh strainer, pour the drink into your pre-chilled glass.
- Strain smoothly and steadily, keeping the ice in the shaker.
- The drink should be silky, pale, and frothy on top.
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Ready when: Drink is poured and fills the glass to about 1 inch below the rim
Tip: Use a fine-mesh strainer if you have one—it catches tiny ice shards that make the drink cloudy.
6
Garnish and serve
- If desired, express a lime wheel or twist over the drink by twisting it skin-side down over the glass to release the oils, then drop it in or place it on the rim.
- Serve immediately while the drink is still perfectly cold.
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Ready when: Lime garnish is in or on the glass
Tip: The lime oils add aroma and a subtle bitter note that complements the drink beautifully.

Good to know

Tips

Fresh lime juice is essential—bottled or concentrate cannot deliver the same brightness and complexity. Squeeze it yourself just before serving.
Proper glassware matters: a coupe or small cocktail glass (5–6 oz / 150–180 ml) makes this drink feel and taste more refined than a larger glass.
Quality rum substitutes (such as Seedlip Spiced or Ghia) are formulated to mimic the complexity of aged spirits; budget options often taste thin or artificial.
The ratio of 2:1:0.67 (substitute to lime to syrup) is the classic daiquiri formula. If your rum substitute is very sweet or herbal, reduce simple syrup by 0.25 oz (7 ml) and adjust to taste.

Make ahead

You can prepare simple syrup up to 2 weeks ahead and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Squeeze lime juice just before serving for maximum freshness.

Storage & reheating

This is a fresh cocktail meant to be consumed immediately after shaking. Drinking within 10 minutes of preparation ensures the optimal cold temperature and texture. Do not store a finished daiquiri.

Substitutions

rum substitute (such as Seedlip Spiced, Ghia, or alcohol-free rum-style spirit) → Alcohol-free vodka substitute (such as Seedlip Grove 42) or non-alcoholic spirit designed for clear drinks. Will shift the flavor away from the spiced/botanical notes but maintains the classic daiquiri structure. Choose a product marketed for spirit-forward drinks.
simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) → Agave nectar or honey diluted 1:1 with water. Creates a slightly different mouthfeel but maintains sweetness and balance. Stir into the shaker with other ingredients.
fresh lime juice → Fresh lemon juice (in equal amount) or a 3:1 lime-to-lemon ratio. Lemon will make the drink brighter and less tart. A mix gives complexity; pure lemon shifts the flavor significantly.
rum substitute (such as Seedlip Spiced, Ghia, or alcohol-free rum-style spirit) → Strong brewed white tea (cooled) mixed with a drop of vanilla extract. A creative DIY option if premium rum substitutes are unavailable. Adds body and subtle sweetness; adjust simple syrup down slightly.