Cocktail College The Hotel Nacional
Mar 13, 2025
S.E. Baker, bar lead at Epiphany in Louisville, dives deep into the origins and history of the Hotel Nacional cocktail, tracing its roots to the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba. He shares how Prohibition shaped its evolution and the importance of quality rum and apricot liqueurs. Listeners get insights on using fresh versus packaged pineapple juice to enhance flavors, along with preparation techniques. Baker also touches on the emotional connections cocktails create, enriching the overall drinking experience.
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Hotel Nacional History
- The Hotel Nacional cocktail, named after the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, originated during American Prohibition.
- The hotel was a haven for American celebrities, dignitaries, and even mobsters.
Tropical Daiquiri Riff
- The Hotel Nacional is a tropical twist on the classic daiquiri.
- It adds apricot liqueur and pineapple juice to the base of rum, lime, and sugar.
Disputed Origins
- Three bartenders are potentially credited with creating the Hotel Nacional: Will P. Taylor, Eddie Woelke, and Fred Kaufman.
- Many sources cite Will P. Taylor, the hotel's bar manager at the time.