CubaPLUS Magazine

Varadero, Cuba's premier sun-and-beach destination, has recently welcomed the world-renowned "La Canchanchara" tavern. Previously exclusive to the charming town of Trinidad, the tavern is famous for offering its visitors the eponymous cocktail, a delightful blend of sugarcane spirit, honey, lemon, ice, and water.

During our visit to the establishment, we interviewed its administrator, Yurisay Llerena Castellón, who graciously provided detailed insights. She explained that Varadero’s "blue beach" region now also boasts "La Canchanchara" Tavern, whose distinctive feature is this historic Cuban cocktail. It originated during the 19th-century Mambí Wars against Spanish colonialism.

Llerena explained that the drink was traditionally consumed warm to combat the cold experienced during harsh military campaigns and to alleviate common respiratory ailments caused by exposure to the elements. Some accounts suggest the beverage also invigorated the fighters, with roots and plants occasionally added to enhance its potency.

The opening of this new unit, belonging to the Palmares S.A. Extra-Hotel Group, aims to capitalize on its commercial potential ahead of the upcoming FitCuba 2026 International Tourism Fair – to be held in Varadero next May. Furthermore, it seeks to promote the tavern as a key stop on the new bar routes planned for presentation at the major event, with the Canchanchara cocktail serving as the establishment's signature offering, Llerena added.

"This route will also feature La Bodeguita del Medio's mojito and El Floridita's daiquirí. This is what we intend to showcase at the Tourism Fair," she revealed.

During a brief tour of the tavern, Llerena also explained that the establishment includes a "guarapera" (open 9 AM to 7 PM), where "guarapo" (fresh sugarcane juice) is prepared on demand. The main bar, of course, is "La Canchanchara" (open 10 AM to 12 AM), where in addition to its signature cocktail, ten other typical Cuban cocktails are offered and tapas based on "falsas" (small sandwiches), "montaditos", with gourmet decorations.

In a notable announcement, she revealed that Varadero's La Canchanchara features a new creation: the Mambí Bar (open 10 AM to 12 AM). Unique in the country, it offers seven typical Mambí cocktails: the Draquecito, the most popular ancestor of the mojito; the original Cuba Libre, which is also the predecessor of the Cuba Libre we know today; La Frucanga, renowned during the wars of independence for its inclusion of ají guao-guao (a spicy pepper variety) which was believed to invigorate the Mambises; as well as the Aguamona, Ponche Mambí, Zambumbia, and Saoco.

Within the tavern, visitors will also find La Casa de la Cerámica El Alfarero. This shop promotes clay-based crafts, featuring pieces created by the Santander family – a name well-known in the Trinidad region for their strong four-generation tradition in this artisanal work.

Finally, Llerena anticipated that, with the goal of further promoting the tradition embodied by La Canchanchara, similar establishments are planned for several other destinations across the country, including Camagüey, Havana, and Holguín. This initiative will enable a deeper appreciation of Cuban national history.

So, if you find yourself in Varadero or are planning a sun-and-beach getaway, make your way to Calle 18 and 1st Avenue. There, at La Canchanchara, you can savor this exquisite cocktail and enjoy live Cuban music performed by the group "Los Sabrosos."