The daiquiri might just be the most misunderstood classic cocktail. Like its peers, the martini, Manhattan, and Negroni, it’s made with just three simple ingredients. However, unlike them, it’s notoriously difficult to make. To be fair, the recipe is easy enough to follow—three ingredients in a shaker, shake, strain, and serve. But when it comes to making the perfect daiquiri, the ingredients are where most people fall short.

A classic daiquiri is composed of white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. The rule of threes keeps the cocktail balanced between boozy, tangy, and sweet. With so few ingredients, getting it right comes down to ensuring each component is high-quality in its own right. Most people will spring for a good white rum that’s high in proof and smoothly sweet.

But when it comes to the other two ingredients, that’s where things get tricky. Replicating the tang and tart flavors the daiquiri is known for means using freshly squeezed juice from limes that are at their peak freshness. The syrup is another area that needs to be considered. Rum is already a sweeter liquor, so choosing a syrup that’s not cloying or too sugary is ideal. While you can find pre-made options at specialty stores, making your own is your best bet.

The Perfect Daiquiri Recipe