Constante Ribalaigua Vert

About

Constante Ribalaigua Vert was a pioneering figure in the world of mixology, renowned for his contributions to Cuban bartending. Born in 1888 in Lloret de Mar, Spain, he moved to Havana with his family at a young age. Ribalaigua began his bartending career as a teenager and eventually became the proprietor of El Floridita, a historic bar in Havana. His innovative techniques, particularly the use of crushed ice and the electric blender, revolutionized the daiquiri, transforming it into a smoother, more refined cocktail. Ribalaigua's legacy extends beyond his creative cocktails, such as the Hemingway Daiquiri, which he famously crafted for the writer Ernest Hemingway. He was a mentor to many bartenders, establishing El Floridita as a hub for skilled mixologists. His impact on the American tiki movement and his role as a cultural ambassador for Cuban drinks are lasting. Despite stepping back from bartending due to health issues, Ribalaigua continued to oversee El Floridita until his death in 1952. His influence remains profound in the world of bartending and Cuban culture.