This tropical Daiquiri riff is sweet, sour, a little bit spiced, herbal, and has a certain je ne sais quois thanks to an easy bay leaf simple syrup. If you're a fan of the flavor of bay leaf, or if you're wondering what flavor bay leaf even is, you need to try this unique summery daiquiri!
Bay leaf flavor
The flavor of bay leaf is a little hard to describe. And although some say that it doesn't have much of any flavor at all, it can actually be quite strong, especially when the leaves are fresh.
Bay leaves release their essential oils when heated and the aroma is unique, fresh and herbal with a little spice. Fresh leaves have a more pronounced minty and eucalyptus-like aroma and flavor than dry leaves. Bay also has a floral note that when combined with the mint-like flavor is reminiscent of lavender.
Finally, when used in a sweet application like this simple syrup, the bay flavor has a fruitiness that reminds me of cherry or berries. The overall flavor of bay leaf is unusual and complex, with several layers. Personally, I love the flavor and the aroma that fills my kitchen when making this syrup!
Obsessed with bay leaf like me? Try this delicious Bay Leaf Pound Cake!
In addition to my Pineapple Bay Leaf Daiquiri, this bay simple syrup makes a wonderful lemonade. It's great in cocktails and mocktails of all kinds, especially tropical and tiki drinks. Get my quick Bay Leaf Simple Syrup Recipe.
Pineapple Bay Leaf Daiquiri ingredients
This four ingredient cocktail comes together quickly once you make your syrup. Here's a breakdown of all the ingredients you'll need:
White rum
First up is white rum. These are unaged or briefly aged rums that are mostly clear in color. White rum is a mild, somewhat fruity-tasting spirit with notes of sugarcane, vanilla and tropical fruit. Any white rum you'd choose for a classic Daiquiri would be a nice choice here. I used Plantation 3 Stars.
Lime juice
You'll need one ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice for this cocktail. That's about 1 small lime or half of a large lime. You have to use fresh lime juice for a Daiquiri, not bottled. It makes all the difference!
Pineapple juice
In addition to fresh lime juice, you'll need a half ounce of fresh pineapple juice. If fresh isn't an option, canned or bottled pineapple juice is ok as long as it's unsweetened. A half ounce of pineapple juice is one tablespoon. Keep in mind that pineapple juice can vary quite a bit in sweetness. My juice was quite sweet so I only needed a half ounce. If your juice is more tart, try using three quarters of an ounce and three quarters of an ounce of the syrup.
Bay leaf simple syrup (fresh bay leaves, sugar, water)
My bay leaf simple syrup recipe comes together in about five minutes, and then just needs to cool before being used in the cocktail. To make the syrup, you'll need one cup of sugar, one cup of water, and five to six fresh bay leaves. Get the Bay Leaf Simple Syrup Recipe.
How to make the cocktail
Once you have all of the ingredients assembled, combine everything in a cocktail shaker and fill it about three quarters with ice. Shake until very cold, then strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel or lime twist and a bay leaf, if desired. Garnish here is optional.
You might also enjoy these other rum cocktails:
Pineapple Bay Leaf Daiquiri
Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz fresh pineapple juice
- ½ oz bay leaf simple syrup
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it three quarters with ice.
- Shake until chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or lime twist and a bay leaf, if desired.