El Floridita, Havana

This historic cocktail bar and restaurant opened in 1817. Originally called La Piña de Plata (The Silver Pineapple), the name was changed in the early 20th century to honor the increasing number of Floridians patronizing the establishment.

Constante, a bartender who became the owner of El Floridita, invented the frozen daiquiri. This classic cocktail propelled El Floridita to fame, and the cocktail bar became a gathering place for bartenders looking to perfect the delicious drink. Unlike the sugary concoction found on cruises and in beach bars, the original daiquiri features simple ingredients that are shaken, but not blended. The bar's motto is now "la cuna del daiquiri" (the cradle of the daiquiri).

The daiquiri also attracted famous author Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway would walk from Hotel Ambros Mundos and enjoy lively evenings at the bar. After moving out of the hotel and outside of the city, he drove into town and visited El Floridita.

Other famous visitors include Graham Green, John Dos Passos, and Ezra Pound. Today, visitors will find photos of famous guests, a bust of Hemingway, and a life-size bronze statue of Hemingway seated at the bar. Come here to enjoy live music, exquisite seafood, and of course, an authentic Cuban daiquiri.