A Sweet Escape: Wedding Cake Daiquiri

Daiquiris are a popular cocktail, typically made with white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. However, there are numerous variations on the classic recipe, including the Wedding Cake Daiquiri. This unique twist on the traditional daiquiri involves infusing the rum with Wedding Cake, creating an intriguing blend of flavours. The process of infusing the rum adds an extra step to the preparation, but the result is a cocktail that offers a nice buzz and a lasting effect. The Wedding Cake Daiquiri is an innovative take on a classic drink, providing a new experience for those who enjoy experimenting with cocktails.

Ingredients

A Wedding Cake Daiquiri is a fun twist on the classic daiquiri, which traditionally consists of just three ingredients: white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. The addition of wedding cake-infused rum gives this cocktail a unique flavour and, of course, its name.

For the Wedding Cake-Infused Rum:

• Rum: The base spirit for a daiquiri is rum, and for this cocktail, you will need a bottle of Wray & Nephew rum.
• Wedding Cake: The key ingredient that sets this daiquiri apart is wedding cake. In this recipe, you will need six grams of wedding cake, which should be divided into pea-sized pieces.

For the Simple Syrup:

• Demerara Sugar: This type of sugar, which has a rich, molasses-like flavour, is used to make a simple syrup.
• Water: Combined with the sugar, water creates the simple syrup that balances the tartness of the lime juice.

Other Ingredients:

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for a well-balanced daiquiri.
• Ice: Whether you're shaking or blending your daiquiri, ice is a must to chill your cocktail.

Method:

The first step is to make the wedding cake-infused rum. Decarb the wedding cake pieces in the oven at 230 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes. Then, add the decarbed cake to a mason jar filled with the rum and shake it up. Use a sous-vide to heat the mixture to 170 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours, and then let it cool.

To make the simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Finally, combine the infused rum, simple syrup, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

For a festive touch, you can rim the glass with colourful sanding sugars. Simply rub the edge of the glass with a lime wedge and then dip it into the sanding sugars.

Recipe

Wedding Cake Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 2 shots of white rum
• 2 shots of wedding cake-infused Wray & Nephew rum
• 0.5 oz of Demerara simple syrup
• 0.75 oz of lime juice
• 1 drop of green food colouring (optional)

Method:

• To make the infused rum, divide 6 grams of wedding cake by hand into pea-sized pieces.
• Decarb at 230 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes.
• Add the decarbed cake to a mason jar filled with a bottle of Wray & Nephew rum and shake.
• Use a sous-vide to get the mason jar up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours, then let it cool.
• If the batch is too strong, divide it in half and add another half a bottle of Wray & Nephew rum to each new bottle.
• Add one drop of green food colouring (optional).
• Add ice cubes, infused rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
• Shake well.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Tips:

• If your drink is too tart, add more simple syrup. If it is too sweet, add more lime juice.
• For a stronger drink, use an 80-proof rum.
• For a frozen variation, add the ingredients to a blender with ice.

History

The history of the wedding cake daiquiri is closely tied to the history of the daiquiri and wedding cake separately.

Daiquiris

The daiquiri is a cocktail made with rum, sugar, and lime juice. It originated in Cuba in the late 1800s, coinciding with the rise in popularity of rum across the Caribbean. The drink's simplicity and versatility allowed for creativity, and it soon became a favourite, especially during the Prohibition era when Americans would travel to Cuba to drink.

The writer Ernest Hemingway was a well-known lover of daiquiris, and he still holds the record for the most daiquiris consumed in one sitting at El Floridita bar in Cuba—16.

The original way to make a daiquiri was to put all the ingredients (rum, simple syrup, and lime juice) into a cocktail shaker and make the drink one by one. However, in 1937, the Waring Blender (also known as the slurpee machine) was introduced, and the frozen daiquiri became the more common way to consume the drink.

Wedding Cakes

Wedding cakes have been a part of wedding ceremonies for centuries, though they haven't always been the focus of the event and have taken different forms, such as pies or bread.

The tradition of wedding cakes began in Ancient Rome, where a wheat or barley cake was broken over the bride's head to bring good fortune and fertility to the couple. The newlyweds would then eat some crumbs together as one of their first unified acts as a married couple.

In Medieval England, spiced buns, scones, and cookies were stacked as high as possible, and the bride and groom would try to kiss over the stack. It was believed that if they succeeded without knocking the stack down, they would have a prosperous life together.

In the 17th century, wedding cakes started to replace bridal pies, which were often filled with oysters, lamb testicles, throat, rooster comb, and pine kernels. The bride's pie eventually evolved into the bride's cake, which was typically a plum or fruit cake.

In the early 19th century, refined sugar became more common and affordable in England, and a bright white icing became the topping of choice for wedding cakes. White symbolised the bride's virginity and was also a show of wealth.

The modern wedding cake as we know it today originated at the wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, in 1882. It was the first wedding cake that was completely edible, and it was created in separate layers with dense icing. When the icing hardened, the layers were stacked, a groundbreaking innovation at the time.

Wedding Cake Daiquiris

While I could not find specific information on the history of the wedding cake daiquiri, it likely emerged as a creative twist on the classic daiquiri, incorporating flavours inspired by wedding cakes.

One example of a wedding cake-themed cocktail is the Italian Wedding Cake Martini, which was created by the Tom Quick Inn in Milford, Pennsylvania. It is made with vanilla vodka, cranberry, pineapple, amaretto, and white cream de cocoa, mirroring the flavours and sensations of eating an actual slice of wedding cake.

Another variation is the King Cake Daiquiri, which features a homemade king cake simple syrup made with cinnamon and lemon, giving the cocktail a unique twist on the classic daiquiri flavour.

Variations

The Wedding Cake Daiquiri is a twist on the classic daiquiri, which traditionally consists of white rum, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The Wedding Cake Daiquiri is just one of the many variations of the classic cocktail, with its key ingredient being Wedding Cake-infused rum.

The classic daiquiri is a simple cocktail, but it has spawned a whole family of drinks with a variety of flavours. Here are some popular variations:

• The King Cake Daiquiri: This variation is perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations. It features a homemade king cake simple syrup, which includes cinnamon and lemon, giving the cocktail a unique flavour profile.
• The Raspberry Daiquiri: A refreshing twist on the original, this variation uses raspberry puree and sugar syrup, creating a sweet and tangy flavour.
• The Strawberry Daiquiri: This is the most popular frozen variation of the daiquiri. It can be blended with ice or shaken, and its vibrant colour and fruity flavour make it a summer favourite.
• The Banana Daiquiri: Another fun and fruity variation, perfect for summer parties. It has inspired tasty creations like the banana daiquiri jello shot.
• The Hemingway Daiquiri: Named after its most famous enthusiast, Ernest Hemingway, this variation adds grapefruit and maraschino liqueur to the mix, creating a unique flavour profile.

The beauty of the daiquiri is its versatility, and these are just a few examples of the many variations possible. Mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts continue to experiment with different ingredients, creating endless possibilities for this classic cocktail.

Tips

A Wedding Cake Daiquiri is a fun and creative cocktail that's perfect for celebrations. Here are some tips to help you make this unique drink:

Ingredients

Firstly, let's talk about the ingredients. The base of a classic daiquiri is simple: rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. For a wedding cake twist, you'll want to add some creative flavours to this base. Consider infusing your rum with wedding cake or using a vanilla-flavoured rum. You can also experiment with additional ingredients like pineapple, cranberry, amaretto, or white cream de cocoa to create a truly unique cocktail.

Equipment

To make a wedding cake daiquiri, you'll need some essential bar tools. A cocktail shaker is a must-have for mixing your ingredients and creating a well-balanced drink. You'll also want a strainer to ensure your cocktail is smooth and free of any unwanted bits. If you plan to serve your daiquiris in fancy glasses, consider investing in a Boston cocktail shaker or a similar tool to help you create a perfect, elegant presentation.

Preparation

Preparing your ingredients properly is key. If you're making a simple syrup, be sure to let it cool completely before using it in your cocktail. This will prevent the ice from melting too quickly and watering down your drink. If you're using citrus juices, opt for lime juice, and always use fresh ingredients for the best flavour. If you want to get creative, you can even make a custom simple syrup with additional flavours like cinnamon and lemon.

Presentation

A fun and festive presentation will elevate your wedding cake daiquiris. Consider rimming your cocktail glasses with colourful sanding sugars or a combination of green, yellow, and purple sugars for a Mardi Gras-inspired look. You can also add a whimsical touch by garnishing each glass with a paper drink umbrella, a lime wedge, or a twisted lime peel.

Serving

Finally, think about how you'd like to serve your wedding cake daiquiris. If you're making a single cocktail, simply shake your ingredients with ice and strain them into a chilled glass. However, if you're hosting a party, you might want to prepare a pitcher of daiquiris. In this case, mix your ingredients without ice and leave the pitcher in the fridge until your guests arrive. Just before serving, add crushed ice to fill the pitcher and give it a final stir.

Frequently asked questions