This pineapple drink has the appearance of sunshine in a glass. Here’s how to whip up a delectable tropical Cuban breeze.
One of the year’s best films is responsible for my new favorite drink: the tropical Cuban breeze.
In Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, billionaire tech mogul Miles Bron invites his friends and renowned detective Benoit Blanc to his private island for a murder mystery game that quickly turns deadly accurate. Miles honors his old friends, dubbed the “Disruptors,” with signature drinks at dinner. Most are straightforward: white wine for Claire, Lagavulin 16 scotch for Lionel, and a whiskey soda for CEO Andi.
On the other hand, a Cuban breeze is the drink of choice for scandal-plagued fashion icon Birdie Jay.
What Is a Cuban Breeze?
Birdie and Miles joke that the cocktail “got us on the no-fly list at St. Barts.” It’s served in a tall glass adorned with Birdie’s name and a jewel-toned parrot. I’d never heard of a Cuban breeze before seeing this film, but as Blanc might say, it was “compelling.”
The Cuban Breeze is a simple concoction of vodka, amaretto liqueur, and pineapple juice. Although some versions include lime or other fruit juices, my pineapple juice-only version tastes the best. It has the right almond flavor, making for an unexpectedly delicious pineapple pairing.
A Cuban breeze is a welcome diversion from the more common island-inspired tiki drinks. It’s ideal for poolside or whenever you crave a sweet and sunny cocktail.
Is This Really a Cuban Drink?
I need help finding much information about the history of this drink, no closely guarded recipe, and no bartender to credit with its creation. So this is not an authentic Cuban drink. However, because pineapples are widely grown in Cuba and are a popular ingredient in the country’s cuisine, someone likely decided that this drink has a Cuban flavor.
How to Make a Cuban Breeze Cocktail
This recipe only yields one drink. If you don’t have curvy hurricane glass, a tulip or Collins glass will suffice.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1-1/2 ounces amaretto liqueur, like Disaronno
- 1 ounce vodka, chilled
- 3 ounces pineapple juice, chilled
- Garnish: maraschino cherries and fresh pineapple chunks threaded onto cocktail picks
Tools for Your Home Bar
Tropical drinks look stunning in these tall glasses with short stems.
Every home bar should have a jigger. It’s fashionable and makes measuring cocktail ingredients a breeze.
Silicone Ice Molds: These molds produce large spheres or cubes that look great in drinks and melt slowly.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the amaretto and vodka over ice.
Fill a hurricane glass or other cocktail glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the vodka and amaretto.
Step 2: Pour in the pineapple juice.
Pour in the chilled pineapple juice and give it a good stir. Serve immediately with a cocktail pick adorned with maraschino cherries and pineapple.
What to Serve with a Cuban Breeze
This sweet, fruity beverage goes well with spicy, salty foods like chips, salsa, or nachos. Try skewers of grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or a fresh ceviche alongside the citrusy cocktail.
Learn more: How to Make a Tequila Old-Fashioned