Nuclear Daiquiri
A fiery, herbal Daiquiri with overproof rum and green Chartreuse that hits like a shot of adrenaline.
Ingredients
- Overproof rum30 ml
- Green Chartreuse22.5 ml
- Falernume.g. Velvet Falernum10 ml
- Lime juice, freshly squeezed30 ml
- Simple syrup, for a touch more sweetness, if you like (optional) (1 part Sugar, 1 part Water)5 ml
- Lime, to garnish (optional)1 wheel
Method
- Fill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass with iced water and set it aside to get ice-cold.
- Pour the overproof rum, green Chartreuse, falernum and lime juice into a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake hard for 10–12 seconds, until the drink is ice-cold and lightly diluted.
- Double-strain into the cold glass for a silky texture.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or twist.
Credit Gregor de Gruyther, LAB Bar, London
About this drink
The Nuclear Daiquiri was created in 2005 by Gregor de Gruyther at LAB Bar in London as an overheated take on the classic Daiquiri. Replacing ordinary rum with overproof rum and adding green Chartreuse gave the drink its signature herbal roar, and it remains a favourite of adventurous bartenders.
Questions and answers
Why is it called a Nuclear Daiquiri?
The combination of overproof rum and green Chartreuse makes it markedly stronger than a classic Daiquiri. Both typically sit above 50% alcohol, hence the explosive name.
Is overproof rum a must in a Nuclear Daiquiri?
You can use a standard-strength rum, but the drink loses its power and signature sharpness. The overproof rum is what gives the Nuclear Daiquiri its extra force; if you swap it, ease back on the lime a touch.
