This refreshing drink is a twist on the classic daiquiri, with a few added ingredients that give it a unique flavor. Named after the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, this cocktail has a storied history and is a favorite among many cocktail enthusiasts.
The Hemingway Daiquiri is a simple drink, made with white rum, lime juice, and grapefruit juice, but what sets it apart is the addition of maraschino liqueur. This sweet cherry-flavored liqueur gives the drink a subtle sweetness that balances out the tartness of the citrus juices.
Hemingway himself was known to enjoy his daiquiris without added sugar, but most people prefer a touch of sweetness in their cocktails. Whether you like it sweet or tart, the Hemingway Daiquiri is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
History
The Hemingway Daiquiri, also known as the Papa Doble or the Hemingway Special, is a variation of the classic Daiquiri that was created specifically for Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was a regular at the El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba, where the drink was invented by bartender Constante Ribalaigua Vert.
Hemingway was known for his love of rum and his dislike of sweet drinks, so Ribalaigua crafted a Daiquiri that was tart and refreshing, with a higher proportion of rum to other ingredients. The Hemingway Daiquiri typically includes white rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur.
The drink was originally called the Papa Doble, after Hemingway’s nickname, but it was later renamed the Hemingway Special. Hemingway was said to enjoy the drink so much that he would often order two at a time, hence the name “double.”
The Hemingway Daiquiri has become a classic cocktail and is still served at the El Floridita bar in Havana, which has been called “the cradle of the Daiquiri.” The bar has a bronze statue of Hemingway sitting at the bar, and the Hemingway Daiquiri is still one of the most popular drinks on the menu.
How to Make It
Hemingway Daquiri
Making a Hemingway Daiquiri is a simple process that requires a few key ingredients and the right equipment.
Follow these steps to make a delicious Hemingway Daiquiri at home:
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz lime juice, fresh if possible
- 1/2 oz grapefruit juice, fresh if possible
- 2 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
- Lime slice for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Place your ice into the cocktail shaker.
- Add the lime juice, rum, maraschino liqueur, and grapefruit juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass that has been chilled.
- Decorate with a slice of lime, if desired.
Notes
To sweeten the cocktail, you can use simple syrup instead of sugar. This ensures that the sugar is fully dissolved and evenly distributed throughout the cocktail. If you prefer a drier Hemingway Daiquiri, you can reduce the amount of simple syrup or omit it altogether.
Choosing Your Spirits
When making a Hemingway Daiquiri, it’s important to use the right type of rum. White rum is the classic choice for this cocktail, but you can also experiment with other types of rum if you want a different flavor in the drink.
For the maraschino liqueur, Luxardo is the recommended brand. You can use fresh-squeezed lime juice or bottled lime juice, but fresh is always best.
Variations
There are many variations of the classic Hemingway Daiquiri, each with its own unique flavor and twist. Here are some popular variations that you can try:
Frozen Hemingway Daiquiri
This is a frozen version of the Hemingway Daiquiri that is perfect for hot summer days. Simply add all the ingredients to the blender or mixer and blend until you achieve the desired consistency. You can also add shaved ice to the mixture to make it more slushy. Serve in a chilled glass and garnish with a lime slice and a sweet cherry.
Martini Hemingway Daiquiri
This is a sophisticated version of the Hemingway Daiquiri that is served in a martini glass. To make this drink, simply shake Bacardi white label rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and maraschino liqueur with ice cubes and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime slice and a sweet cherry.
Brandy Hemingway Daiquiri
This is a variation of the Hemingway Daiquiri that replaces rum with brandy. To make this drink, simply shake brandy, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and maraschino liqueur with ice cubes and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime slice and a sweet cherry.
Sweetened Hemingway Daiquiri
This is a sweeter version of the Hemingway Daiquiri that uses a sweetener like honey or agave syrup. To make this drink, simply shake Bacardi white label rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, maraschino liqueur, and your preferred sweetener with ice cubes and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime slice and a sweet cherry.
Looks so delicious! Definitely gonna try soon!! Thanks.