The daiquiri is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. The basic ingredients are rum mixed with lime juice, and some type of sweetener.

Consumption was localized in Cuba until an American admiral introduced it to the armed forces. In the 40s, its popularity soared and, due to Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy, rum was readily available from Latin America, where as there was rationing of the other types of hard liqueur.

There are various claims as to who first created the drink. Rum, mixed with lime, was used by the British as early as 1795. Rum, made from sugar cane, had been mixed with lime in Caribbean and South American countries for decades.

One story goes that the "Rough Riders" in the Spanish American War landed in Daiquiri, Cuba, where a rum and lime drink was used to combat malaria. American engineers added sugar, mixed it with ice, and created the "daiquiri."

Another story is that "Daiquiri" is the name of a beach near Santiago, Cuba. There is an iron mine in the area. Supposedly, in a bar in Santiago, it was invented by a group of American engineers in 1905.

The most popular form of the drink is the frozen daiquiri. One is only limited by one's imagination as to variations. That can result in a host presenting their own special concoction, which is lots of fun.

Here are some of the additions that can be added to the basic rum, lime and sugar: avocado, banana, blueberry, raspberry, orange liqueur, maraschino liqueur, strawberries,, vermouth, grapefruit juice, creme de cassis, blue curaco liquor, cherry, mint leaves, pineapple chunks, Galliano herbal liqueur, orange juice, passion fruit juice, vanilla extract, peach schnapps, grenedine syrup.