"The namesake is equally stunning...The Hotel Nacional Special"

I recently discovered this tasty beauty by accident.  In conducting research for an upcoming trip to Cuba, I stumbled upon an obscure Cuban cocktail named after the iconic Hotel Nacional.  This Art Deco inspired hotel was opened on December 30, 1930.  It has hosted a bevy of high profile guests and stands firmly as one of the most photographed sites in Cuba.

The first mention of this cocktail comes from a two part series called The Gentleman's Companion by Charles H. Baker Jr.  Volume II is the Being Exotic Drinking Book or Around the World with Jigger, Beaker and Flask.  Baker gives credit to Wil P. Taylor and proclaims it as "one of the finest Bacardi drinks known to science..."  The recipe is as follows:

Carta de Oro Bacardi, 1 jigger          Fresh pineapple juice, 1 jigger

Lime, juice 1/2                                   Dry apricot brandy, 1 tsp

Shake with cracked ice, strain, serve in a tall cocktail glass with a stem...We indicate Gold Label Bacardi for the simple reason that Carta Blanca is so delicate in flavor it barely comes through any rich drink

Personally I agree with Mr. Baker, only I prefer an aged rum instead of a "gold rum".  I have been experimenting with several rums and I have settled on Malecon's 10 year Aged Rum.  This cocktail is refreshing and perfect for sipping poolside...especially while reading classic cocktail books...I urge you to find your perfect blend!

Barragan's Hotel Nacional Special

2 oz Malecon's 10 year Aged Rum

1/2 oz Luxardo Apricot Brandy

1 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice

1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Garnish with a Lime Zest

Add all ingredients into a mixing tin, shake vigorously with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.  Zest a lime and enjoy!

Salud!