Lovers of cocktails and Daiquiri in particular: here is an unmissable place, rich in history and much loved by Ernest Hemingway.
If the Bodeguita del Medio is the home of the Mojito, the Floridita is another important symbol of Cuba, temple of the Daiquiri and another destination loved by Ernest Hemingway.
Where is Floridita cocktail bar
From Empedrado we move to Calle Obispo, remaining in Habana Vieja, historic center of Havana: churches, museums, palaces and 4 main squares make this center a UNESCO heritage. Strolling on the cobblestone streets, you immerse yourself in the Cuban music that comes out of the many bars and restaurants scattered around the streets of the center.
At the beginning of Havana Vieja, a few steps from the Capitolio, another emblematic building in Cuba, the blue Floridita sign appears at one corner of the street. We enter a place full of tourists, all probably flocked to try the famous one Daiquiri del Floridita, renowned cocktail and symbol of the place. We are greeted by cheerful Cuban music strictly live, which immediately makes us enter the atmosphere of the evening. Tourists also try to accompany the band with maracas and claves.
The place loved by Ernest Hemingway
What catches our attention is a large bronze bust portraying Ernest Hemingway: in fact, the writer liked to frequent the place to taste the excellent Daiquiri: white rum, lime juice and sugar. The bust rests on the long wooden counter that runs along the entire length of the room. We find a second room that seems reserved for those who want to dine. But we take a seat next to Hemingway. After eating at La Bodeguita it's time to taste one of the writer's favorite cocktails and we want to do it sitting next to him. The service is fast and the cocktail really good, so much so that we order a second. The evening passes quickly, when the band finishes playing we realize that we would be listening to it until late at night.
A place full of history
Like the Bodeguita, the Floridita also has its history, to know it you have to go back 200 years. In 1817 the Piña de Plata was opened, which became Florida almost a century later. In 1914 the name was changed to the current Floridita. After a few years, Costantino Ribalaigua, a man of Catalan origin, took over the restaurant. The invention of the Daiquiri is attributed to him. It is no coincidence that today the Cubans call the Floridita "The Cuna del Daiquiri”Or the cradle of the Daiquiri.
The music, the company, the history and the Cuban culture make this place a must for your trip, as it was for mine.
