Introduction
El Floridita, located at 557 Obispo Street in Havana, Cuba, is one of the country’s most iconic bars—celebrated as the birthplace of the frozen daiquiri and famed as Ernest Hemingway’s favorite Havana haunt. Originally opened in 1817 as La Piña de Plata (The Silver Pineapple), it was renamed El Floridita in 1914 in an effort to appeal to the growing number of American tourists. In 1931, Catalan bartender Constantino Ribalaigua Vert, known simply as Constante, revolutionized the classic daiquiri by blending rum, lime, sugar, and crushed ice to create the frozen version. This innovation helped elevate El Floridita to international fame, and Constante’s influence shaped generations of Cuban bartenders who continued to refine rum-based cocktails using fresh, local ingredients. Hemingway began frequenting the bar in 1932 during his stays at the nearby Hotel Ambos Mundos. He was particularly fond of the Papá Doble—a strong, sugarless adaptation of the daiquiri crafted especially for him by Constante. Today, a life-size bronze statue of Hemingway stands at the end of the bar, placed there in 2003 at what was said to be his regular spot. Live Cuban music adds to the venue’s charm, with bands like Quinteto D’Amore performing regularly to create an authentic and spirited atmosphere. Open daily from noon until 1 AM, El Floridita remains a vibrant symbol of Cuban hospitality—a beloved destination for cocktail enthusiasts, literary pilgrims, and history lovers alike.
