Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic20.2% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Easyshaken drink
Why: 3 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Spicy Food, Tropical
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusMixer
- 1 ozLight RumBase
- 1 ozPineapple JuiceMixer
- 1 tspLemon JuiceCitrus
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeStrain
- In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine all of the ingredients.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Shake well.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness โ reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option โ use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Havana Cocktail?
- The Havana Cocktail is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 20.2%. A standard serving contains approximately 85 calories.
- What does a Havana Cocktail taste like?
- Havana Cocktail has a flavour profile featuring Apple, Lemon, Pineapple, Citrus. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Havana Cocktail?
- Havana Cocktail pairs well with Seafood, Spicy Food, Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Havana Cocktail?
- The Havana Cocktail has an ABV of approximately 20.2%. That's approximately 0.73 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 85 calories, 3.1g sugar, 4.2g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Havana Cocktail typically served?
- Havana Cocktail is a popular choice for Tropical, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Havana Cocktail?
- If you enjoy Havana Cocktail, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Havana Cocktail at home?
- Yes. The Havana Cocktail uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Havana Cocktail with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.

