How to Make a Cuban Breeze

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

Shop Now

Jigger

Shop Now

Silicone Ice Molds

Shop Now

• 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

Nancy Mock for Taste of Home

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.