Historic Bars ~ Havana

When you think of Cuba two things spring to mind – cigars and rum (at least if you’re me). With its affinity for rum there’s no surprise that Cuba has been the birthplace of some of the most famous rum cocktails,  also Havana itself has not one, but two of what I would class as historic bars, which I’m going to talk about a little here if you would indulge me.

El Floridita

El Floridita was originally named "La Piña de Plata" (The Silver Pineapple) and first opened its doors in the distant past of 1817. In the early 1900’s the influence of the large number of American tourists persuaded the owner to change the name to "El Florida", but with time it became popularly known as El Floridita.

​
​The establishment is famous for two things,– firstly the patronage of Ernest Hemingway, the bar is full of memorabilia of the author, with even a life-size statue at the end of the bar, and secondly their daiquiris. 

---

​Whilst they can’t claim the credit for inventing the cocktail, which most likely originates from the Eastern side of Cuba, they certainly played a large part in its evolution and popularity. In the early 1930’s the owner Constantino Ribalaigua inventing the frozen daiquiri, which solidified the fame of the bar and still remains their most popular drink, amongst other Cuban favourites.
I had the chance to work through a few daiquiri’s and variations in my visit there, whilst refreshing they perhaps didn’t quite have the punch I’m used to, perhaps due to the large amount of ice in the drink. They’re also very sweet, as Cuban’s do certainly have a sweet tooth.

​El Floridita is heavy a tourist destination and certainly more expensive than your average bar in Havana, but the prices aren’t extortionate by any means. Stepping through the doors is much like stepping back in time to its golden age in the 1950s, with its elaborate interior and red coated waiters. If you are a fan of either Ernest Hemingway or cocktail history I’d say this bar is well worth a visit.

---

La Bodeguita del Medio
​
Like many places in Havana La Bodeguita main claim to fame is Ernest Hemingway, with the famous graffiti on the wall "My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita.” Whilst its likely Hemmingway did visit the bar most of his biographers are dubious about the authenticity of this quote, mainly because nowhere in Hemmingway’s literature does he ever mention mojito’s, despite him being known for writing about drinks he had a liking for (like the afore mentioned daiquiri). 

​The mojito is also a big selling point of the bar, with them claiming to be the birthplace of the cocktail, with it being served since its opening in 1942. This is strongly disputed as the drink has existed in some form or other since the 16th century, though I’m sure the bar was integral to innovating and finalising the modern recipe and introducing to the masses.
​
Whilst not usually a mojito fan I worked through several on my visit, and can honestly say they were some of the best I have ever had. You’ll find mojitos in every bar in Cuba, but the ones I had in La Bodeguita had the most kick and weren’t over powering with sweetness.

​Despite La Bodeguita somewhat disputed claims to fame (you can’t blame the owner for clever marketing) it’s well worth a visit for its bohemian charm and to see the rooms full of curios, photos, and walls full of signatures of their customers.

Whether the quote "my mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita” was written by Hemmingway or not, it’s certainly a good recommendation, and no aspiring SilverFox’s trip to Havana would be complete without visiting these historic venues.

​The SilverFox