The Price of Paradise

by Susana López Rubio

But, of course, the crown jewels, the Holy Trinity of cocktails, were the three Cuban classics: the daiquiri, the Cuba libre, and the mojito. The Cuba libre was invented during the war with Spain, when soldiers drank rum and cola and toasted with their battle cry: “Por Cuba libre!” The legend of the daiquiri was that it was first blended at El Floridita, when the place was still known as La Piña de Plata. As far as the mojito, it was conceived by a corsair so his crew could hold off scurvy thanks to the vitamins in the mint leaves, but it was popularized by the famous Bodeguita del Medio. Hemingway, who knew a little about writing and drinking, said it best: “My mojito at La Bodeguita, my daiquiri at El Floridita.”

But as soon as he came through the door, it was clear Che was no ordinary man. He looked exactly like the hundreds of photographs that had appeared in the newspapers: he was dressed in a military uniform with a cigar in his mouth. His long hair and beard gave him a wild and leonine look. What was most impressive about him was his gaze. There was a ferocity and an energy in his eyes that exceeded his mere presence. The guy was boiling inside.