After making a classic Daiquiri and introducing Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, a Hemingway Daiquiri was a logical next step. This riff on the traditional Daiquiri was indeed a favorite of Earnest Hemingway, and the addition of grapefruit and maraschino makes it taste quite different from its simpler predecessor. At the proportions below, it would have been a better option for the Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur Bottle Buy post, because the taste of the maraschino is extremely strong. Which isn’t a bad thing, if you like it. If you don’t, I’d recommend reducing the maraschino to 1/4 oz. and substituting in 1/4 oz. simple syrup if you find the product too sour.
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| Hemingway in his natural habitat. |
History: Renowned author and drinker Earnest Hemingway lends his name to his favorite concoction from El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba. The story goes that Hemingway flew to Cuba to escape his newfound notoriety and walked into El Floridita when he needed to use the bathroom. He saw the bartender, Constantino Ribalaigua Vert, making daiquiris. Constantino had a special and somewhat theatrical method of chilling the daiquiris so well that they became almost frozen without use of a blender. Hemingway ordered one, and then, like a a truly experienced tippler, asked for one with no sugar and double the rum. Constantino used maraschino liqueur in place of sugar to add some sweetness. (The PDT Cocktail Book claims Hemingway left out the sugar because of his diabetes, but the maraschino likely adds plenty on its own; the more likely explanation is that foregoing the sugar made the cocktails go down easier in bulk, as Hemingway would drink a dozen of these in one sitting.) Made according to the recipe below, the drink is known as a Hemingway Daiquiri; double the proportions, and you have a Papa Doble, Hemingway’s preferred beverage.
El Floradita is still operating and serving daiquiris in Havana, and there is a statue of Hemingway at the bar.
Hemingway Daiquiri
2 oz. white rum
3/4 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. maraschino liqueur
1/2 oz. grapefruit juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice and shake until very cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe and garnish with a lime wheel. Drink at least a dozen of these to become a literary genius.
Recipe from the PDT Cocktail Book.