This pineapple drink looks like sunshine in a glass. Here's how to make a delicious, tropical Cuban breeze.
![How to Make a Cuban Breeze](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cuban-Breeze-Cocktail.TOH_.Nancy-Mock-3-JVedit.jpg)
How to Make a Cuban Breeze
![How to Make a Cuban Breeze](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cuban-Breeze-Cocktail.TOH_.Nancy-Mock-3-JVedit.jpg)
I have one of the best movies of the year to thank for my new favorite drink: the tropical Cuban breeze.
In Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, billionaire tech mogul Miles Bron gathers his friends and renowned detective Benoit Blanc on his personal island for a murder mystery game that turns deadly real. At dinner Miles honors his old friends, who call themselves the “Disruptors,” with signature drinks. Most are fairly no-nonsense: white wine for politician Claire, Lagavulin 16 scotch for scientist Lionel and a whiskey soda for CEO Andi.
There is, however, one exciting and flirty drink that belongs to scandal-plagued fashion icon Birdie Jay: a Cuban breeze.
What Is a Cuban Breeze?
Served in a tall glass adorned with Birdie’s name and a jewel-toned parrot, she and Miles joke that the cocktail “got us on the no-fly list at St. Barts.” I had never heard of a Cuban breeze before this movie, but as Blanc might say, I found it quite “compelling.”
The easy-to-make Cuban breeze is a blend of vodka, amaretto liqueur and pineapple juice. Although some versions include lime or other fruit juices, I think my version with only pineapple juice tastes best. It has just the right amount of almond flavor, an unexpectedly delicious pairing with pineapple.
A Cuban breeze is a refreshing change from more common island-inspired tiki drinks. It’s perfect for poolside or anytime you want a sweet and sunny cocktail.
Is This Really a Cuban Drink?
I couldn’t find much history behind this drink, no closely-guarded recipe or bartender to credit with its creation. So I can’t be sure that this is truly an authentic Cuban drink. However, plenty of pineapples are grown in Cuba and it’s a favorite ingredient in the country’s cuisine, so this is likely why someone decided that this drink has a Cuban vibe.
See our best Cuban-inspired recipes.
How to Make a Cuban Breeze Cocktail
This recipe makes one drink. Use a curvy hurricane glass; if you don’t have one, use a tulip glass or a Collins glass instead.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1-1/2 ounces amaretto liqueur, like Disaronno
- 1 ounce vodka, chilled
- 3 ounces pineapple juice, chilled
- Garnish: maraschino cherries and fresh pineapple chunks threaded onto cocktail picks
Tools for Your Home Bar
- Hurricane Glass: Tropical drinks look gorgeous in these tall glasses with short stems.
- Jigger: Every home bar needs one. It’s stylish and makes it easy to measure cocktail ingredients.
- Silicone Ice Molds: Make large spheres or cubes that look great in drinks and are slow to melt.
Directions
Step 1: Mix amaretto and vodka over ice
Add ice cubes to a hurricane glass or other cocktail glass. Pour in the amaretto and vodka.
Step 2: Add pineapple juice
Pour the chilled pineapple juice into the glass, and give it a stir. Add a cocktail pick with maraschino cherries and pineapple to the glass and serve immediately.
What to Serve with a Cuban Breeze
A sweet and fruity drink like this one pairs well with spicy, salty foods like chips and salsa or nachos. Seafood is also nice alongside the citrusy cocktail: try skewers of grilled shrimp, fish tacos or a fresh ceviche.