National Daiquiri Day is coming up

Looking for an excuse to celebrate? Well, buckle up, because July 19 is National Daiquiri Day. And Las Vegas is one of the few cities where that means something.

Daiquiris are not just a favorite when you’re feeling a bit frivolous, but a tasty treat that cools you in the Las Vegas heat. Whether walking the Strip with your novelty mug, or by the poolside sipping from a fluted glass like a true sophisticate, these frozen, and non-frozen, drinks are part of our culture.

But did you know they were invented in 1898. They were dreamed up in the small mining town of Daiquiri near Santiago, Cuba. I guess Jennings Stockton Cox, the engineer behind this cool libation, had no idea his invention would go global.

His original recipe was a simple blend of lime juice, sugar and local Bacardi rum served over cracked ice. It was a way to keep the workers happy during the heat of the Summer months, and proved such a success that Cox was awarded a monthly stipend, and a barrel of Bacardi to go with it.

But how will we celebrate this year as we toast this great drink?

Will you have a mango frozen daiquiri at Evening Call, or hop on over to Soak at KAOS in the Palms Resort for an out of this world daiquiri served to you at your sunbed? There are a lot of options, but don’t think of it as confusing. This is a chance to discover, party, and celebrate.

If you need a bit of help, here our are favorites.

Fat Tuesday

Honestly, you can’t go wrong. Critics might say your scraping the bottom of the barrel, but you will never bottom out with their 100oz daiquiri. Their wide selection of flavors, decent taste, and cheap price mean you have fun without breaking the bank. Everyone should at least have one of their super-sized containers, whether a yardlong or a steel mug, just so you can get the discounts on the refills for even bigger savings. Take a stroll, and enjoy all the envious looks of pedestrians, and the high-fives from other party-animals.

Breeze

We won’t say if Breeze is better than Fat Tuesday or not. It’s probably a preference. Maybe you can do some taste test comparisons, and tell us which ones you prefer. But some swear by the Watermelon daiquiris here. We like the nice selection of novelty cups, and the tasty jello shots. Regardless of your reasons, Breeze is an easy to visit purveyor of ice-cold daiquiris with locations up and down the Strip. And we think that means you should give them a visit, just to be neighborly.

Paris Sidewalk Bar

The Paris Las Vegas is class all the way, which is why their novelty daiquiris come in large miniature Eiffel towers. They might even be some the largest miniature Eiffel towers you will ever see. With the typical assortment of flavors you would expect, they are a central location on the Strip that is always busy. You can always find them by the number of young ladies with drinks as tall as they are. Or, for the moderate drinkers, have yours in the souvenir hot air balloon.

Fuel Bar

The flair bartenders at Fuel Bar might not be able to do much while making a daiquiri, but they still work their magic with a tasty libation. These are great daiquiris in a great bar. Enjoy the ambiance, talk with friends, and celebrate the day.

Evening Call

A local favorite, Evening Call doesn’t get the love it deserves. It might seem like they are offering the same daiquiris as you’ll find on the Strip, but there is a different taste. Stronger, sweeter, without being too sugary. They actually have flavor. Check them out and tell us if you agree.

Rhumbar

Honestly, we don’t go to Rhumbar for the daiquiris, but that doesn’t mean they are anything less than great. We prefer their novelty punch bowls. But from those in the know, the daiquiris are excellent, with a taste of real fruit. The bartenders are fun-loving and talkative, so consider this the more social option on our list.

Peppermill

Last on our list, but not least, the daiquiri at Peppermill is a must. The taste is on-point, they don’t skimp on the alcohol, and the ingredients are quality. Have one at the Fireside Lounge, the bar, or with a towering plate of pancakes in one of the retro booths. However you decide, you’ll be doing National Daiquiri Day justice.

At Home

And, for those of you who stay at home, don’t feel like you have to miss out on the action. Here’s a recipe you can try that will bring the party to your living room.

Traditional Shaken Daiquiri:

• Mix 3 parts rum of your choice
• 1 part lemon or lime juice
• ½ part sugar
• Serve over ice, or blend.