The Tonefiend Classic Daiquiri

2 oz. rum. (I prefer gold rum, though it also works with light or dark rums. You can go nuts with high-end boutique rums, though Mount Gay Eclipse is a good brand that’s not stupidly expensive.)

1 oz. fresh lime juice. (No substitutes. If you don’t have high-quality fresh limes, stop now and drink the rum straight.)

1/2 oz. – 3/4 oz. simple syrup. (This is a 50/50 mix of sugar and water. You can buy it pre-made, or prepare your own by combining equal amounts of sugar and water in a saucepan and heating till all the sugar has dissolved. Cool before using!)

1. Chill a cocktail glass in the freezer while you prepare the drink.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker about one-third full with ice cubes.
3. Add the rum, lime juice, and 1/2 oz. simple syrup.
4. Shake really frickin’ hard. It’s best when the ice breaks up and waters the drink a bit.
5. Sneak a taste. You may want to add a touch more syrup, depending on how tart the limes are.
6. Strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
7. Garnish with lime wedge or wheel.