Boukman Daiquiri

In addition to “Book Lover’s Day”, it happens to be “National Rum Day” as well (Aug 16).  Rum is, of course, the basis for a good classic daiquiri, one of my favorite tipples.  We’ve discussed the Havana Club daiquiri and the Old Cuban, two incredible drinks.  For Book Lover’s Day and the Book Puzzle Box, let’s appreciate the Boukman’s daiquiri.  This delicious variation adds a bit of cognac to the rum and uses cinnamon syrup rather than simple syrup.  

The Boukman Daiquiri - a touch of cognac and sweet cinnamon

It is named after Boukman Dutty, who led the Haitian slave uprising in 1791 which catalyzed the Haitian revolution.  It is speculated that his name reflects the nickname he garnered, “book man”, possibly from his own self-taught reading and his attempts to teach his fellow slaves to read.   It may be that the addition of cognac, which reflects the French influence in Haiti, and the addition of cinnamon, a common Caribbean flavoring, can explain the ties this daiquiri has to Haiti.  The real reason, however, why mixologist Alex Day, who created this cocktail while at the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. bar in Philadelphia, named it after Boukman, is speculated to be contained deep in the pages of the Book Puzzle Box by Bill Sheckels.  I couldn’t make that up.

Boukman Daiquiri by Alex Day

1½ oz white rum
½ oz Cognac
¾ oz fresh lime juice
¾ oz cinnamon syrup

Shake ingredients together with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Lime wedge garnish.