Check this out, there’s a bar in Havana where time stands still and rum flows as freely as the salmon of Capistrano. El Floridita, synonymous with the classic Daiquiri, has been the heart and soul of Havana’s drinking scene since 1817. But what is really behind its allure? Is it the legendary cocktails, the ghost of Hemingway that looms large in its corners, or something else entirely?

The Legacy Begins

The story of El Floridita began in 1817, when it first opened as “La Piña de Plata” (The Silver Pineapple) in the heart of Havana. It became a popular stop for business owners, artists, and writers, all drawn by its prime location and lively community.

As Havana evolved throughout the 19th century, so did the tastes of its residents. After Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1898, a newfound interest in American-style drinks prompted La Piña de Plata to expand its beverage offerings.

In 1910, the Sala Parera brothers modernized the bodega, introducing plush décor, an elegant atmosphere, and the now-iconic red-jacketed bartenders known as Cantineros. They renamed the establishment “La Florida,” though locals affectionately called it “El Floridita.”

The Home of The Daiquiri

The pivotal moment in El Floridita’s history came with the arrival of Constante Ribalaigua, a skilled Cantinero. During Prohibition, Americans flocked to Havana for Constante’s expertly crafted cocktails, particularly his perfected Daiquiri. His innovative use of crushed ice gave the drink a smoother texture, solidifying El Floridita as “The Home of the Daiquiri.”

Ernest Hemingway’s patronage further cemented the Daiquiri’s reputation, as his love for the drink and the bar helped spread its fame worldwide. The Daiquiri became not just a cocktail but a symbol of El Floridita’s dedication to excellence, ensuring its place in cocktail history for generations.

Famous Patrons

Ernest Hemingway wasn’t the only prominent patron to haunt this legendary bar. El Floridita attracted Cuban and foreign artists and intellectuals like John Dos Passos, Ezra Pound, and Graham Greene, author of “Our Man in Havana.” The bar reflects the vibrancy of the 1940s and ’50s, with bartenders in iconic red jackets and vintage décor evoking the era. Jose Villa Soberón’s bronze statue of Hemingway, perched at his favorite stool, keeps his spirit alive.

Touches of Intrigue

What would a tiny bar tucked in central Havana be without a little bit of military intrigue?

1. Prohibition Era: During the U.S. Prohibition era (1920-1933), many American sailors — a notoriously shifty lot — stationed in the Caribbean visited Cuba on shore leave to enjoy a few of the “local sights.” Translation: they pulled into port and drank daiquiris for days.
2. Cold War: During the Cold War, particularly after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, El Floridita was frequented by various international visitors who had ties to the military or intelligence communities. Havana became a hub of intrigue as it sat at the crossroads of shifting geopolitical landscapes, and El Floridita, a social focal point in the city, was inevitably visited by many people connected to these sectors.

Stories That Give Life to the Bar

• Hemingway’s Haunt: Hemingway’s corner stool is marked by a bronze statue of the man himself, commemorating his favorite bar and drink. His Papa Doble—a double shot Daiquiri with no sugar—remains a staple, his legacy resonating with each frosty sip.
• Birthplace of the Daiquiri: Legend has it that the Daiquiri was perfected by Constante Ribalaigua at El Floridita. His meticulous mix of rum, lime, sugar, and ice crafted the perfect zesty cocktail that visitors continue to relish.
• Seafood Legacy: El Floridita became renowned not only for its cocktails but also for its seafood, served fresh from the Gulf Stream. Visitors have enjoyed its exceptional cuisine for over a century.
• Spirit of Elegance: The distinctive red-jacketed bartenders embody the glamor of old Havana, serving drinks with flair and finesse. They’re the custodians of the bar’s rich history, bringing Constante’s cocktail mastery to the present day. But just a heads up, this place is tiny and crowded with tourists-but it’s a cool site to see.

Other Famous Cocktails

While El Floridita is famous for the daiquiri, it’s often tied through legend and lore with some of the world’s other most iconic cocktails.

1. Mojito: Though El Floridita is more famous for its daiquiri, the Mojito, another classic Cuban cocktail, has a story that intertwines with Hemingway, El Floridita’s most famous patron. The legend goes that Hemingway often ordered his Mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio but would return to El Floridita for his daiquiris.
2. Cuba Libre: The Cuba Libre, a potent mix of rum and cola, was born from patriotic fervor after the Spanish-American War. Soldiers from the United States and Cuba mixed their rums with American cola and a squeeze of lime, toasting to “Free Cuba!” Though not originating at El Floridita, its a common site at the bar and frequently ordered.
3. Cubana: The Cubana is a somewhat lesser-known cocktail, but still significant to Cuban mixology. Said to be named after an early airline that connected Havana to the U.S., the Cubana cocktail is a zesty combination of rum, orange juice, and grenadine. El Floridita’s bartenders would craft this drink for their international guests, often playing on the mythos of tropical paradise and Havana’s allure.
4. Bloody Mary: This cocktail is often associated with New York’s King Cole Bar, but El Floridita’s bartenders weren’t to be outdone. Local legend suggests that Hemingway wanted a Bloody Mary, but “without the tomato juice”—leading to the creation of a strong, spicy rum drink that became the precursor to his Papa Doble Daiquiri.

Tips for Your Visit

Planning to visit El Floridita? Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your experience:

• Arrive early to secure a spot at the bar or a cozy table. El Floridita fills up fast during peak hours (and it’s rather small).
• Try the signature Daiquiri made with Constante’s perfected recipe for an authentic taste.
• Sample the seafood for an unforgettable fusion of cocktails and Cuban cuisine.
• Admire the ambiance and Hemingway memorabilia, soaking in the vintage décor. But be prepared to rub shoulders with more tourists than locals.
• Talk to the bartenders for fascinating stories about El Floridita’s past.
• Enjoy the live music that often performs.

Why Visit El Floridita?

El Floridita combines rich history, iconic cocktails, and Hemingway’s adventures to create an unforgettable experience. Step into this historic bar, and you’ll find yourself in the glamorous days of 1940s and ’50s Havana. If you’re a history enthusiast, cocktail connoisseur, or simply looking to immerse yourself in Cuba’s vibrant culture, El Floridita is a must-visit destination. Raise your glass, savor Cuba’s flavors, and create memories at El Floridita!