Go to any bar in the world and you will be able to order yourself a Mojito or a Daiquiri. They happen to be two of the most commonly available and highly popular cocktails, and their origins can be traced back to the country of Cuba.
The island-country has been the birthplace of many popular cocktails. Apart from the two mentioned above, Cubanito, Cuba Libre and El Presidente were also invented in the nation. While Cuba stands to be the ultimate vacation destination, many cocktail enthusiasts visit the island for its original alcoholic beverages. One such beverage is an old-time classic cocktail named Canchánchara.
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Considered to be one of the oldest Cuban cocktails, it is believed that Canchánchara originated in the 19th century during the Ten Years War against Spain. Natives narrate the tales of Cuban soldiers mixing a warm drink with commonly available ingredients to fight off the common cold during the war for independence.
Canchánchara is a mix of aguardiente de caña which is the first distillation of sugar cane juice, limón criollo which is Mexican lime or key lime, honey and water! While most Cuban cocktails are known in the country, you will realise Canchánchara is somewhat a forgotten name. To honour it with an authentic sip, you will have to visit the rustic but beautiful town of Trinidad. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will find most bars serving the cocktail in this historically-preserved town.
Originally, Canchánchara was consumed in gourds. Now, some bars in Trinidad serve the cocktail in gourd-shaped clay cups called copas de barro, that are manufactured by a family of potters in the area. A cold variation of the cocktail has bartenders adding ice to the original ingredients and new recipes use plata rum instead of aguardiente due to its availability issues.
If you ever visit Cuba, plan a trip to Taberna La Canchánchara bar in Trinidad to witness the cocktail in all its authentic glory. Till then, try to recreate the cocktail in your native country to explore one of the oldest-known Cuban cocktails!
