Wednesday, August 1, 2018

The Hemingway Daiquiri Cocktail

Hemingway Daiquiri Cocktail

Born in Cuba, refreshingly citrus

Ernest Hemingway liked to drink. Often. In quantity. And long into the night.

He inspired some drinks, too. Including this one, most likely. It features grapefruit juice – one of his favored cocktail mixers.

So Hemingway loved this drink. We predict you will too. But watch that quantity thing.



Hemingway Daiquiri Cocktail

Recipe: The Hemingway Daiquiri Cocktail

The classic Daiquiri Cocktail is a soothing mix of light rum, lime juice, and simple syrup or sugar. The Hemingway Daiquiri drops the sugar (usually) but adds grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur. The result is an even more refreshing take on the classic.

We’ve seen numerous recipes for this drink, and have tried several. The one we post here is our favorite, though we discuss alternatives in the Notes.

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and serves one.

Ingredients
  • 2 ounces white rum (see Notes)
  • ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
  • ½ ounce white grapefruit juice (see Notes) 
  • ½ ounce maraschino liqueur (not maraschino cherry juice; see Notes)
  • garnish of lime wheel or twist (optional)
Procedure
  1. Add all ingredients (except garnish) to a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake until the contents are well chilled (20 seconds or so).
  2. Strain into a cocktail glass, preferably one that’s been chilled. Add garnish, if desired, and serve.
Hemingway Daiquiri Cocktail

Notes
  • Some folks like to serve this drink frappé style – that is, strained into a cocktail glass or goblet over shaved or crushed ice. Frappé cocktails were an early version of today’s frozen blender drinks. Hemingway may have preferred this drink served frappé. We don’t, but try it if you’d like.
  • Hemingway probably favored a much heftier version of this drink called a Papa Doble (also known as “Daiquiri No. 3”). If you’d like to try one, here’s the best recipe we’ve seen: 3¾ ounces white rum, 2 ounces fresh lime juice, 2 ounces white grapefruit juice, and 6 drops of maraschino liqueur.
  • That’s a big drink! And Hemingway didn’t stop at just one. Legend says he drank 16 – S I X T E E N – of these one night at Havana’s legendary Floridita bar.
  • The Floridita was where the Hemingway Daiquiri (and the Papa Doble) were invented, probably in the 1930s. Their creator was almost certainly Constantino Ribalaigua Vert, owner and chief bartender. Hemingway hung out there a lot, as did Ezra Pound, John Dos Passos, and Graham Greene.
  • The Papa Doble is drier than our version of the Hemingway Daiquiri (because it uses very little maraschino liqueur).
  • We recommend using only white rum in this drink. Some people substitute amber, but the flavor just doesn’t work as well in our opinion.
  • Any brand of good white rum will work, though better-quality rum makes for a tastier drink. If in doubt, ask the friendly folks at your local liquor store for suggestions.
  • BTW, if 2 ounces of white rum are too much for your taste, reduce it to 1½ ounces. The drink will still taste good.
  • Want a slightly sweeter drink? Try 2 ounces white rum, ¾ ounce lime juice, ½ ounce grapefruit juice, 1 teaspoon simple syrup or sugar, and 1 teaspoon maraschino liqueur.
  • Another version of this drink that’s pretty good: 1½ ounces white rum, ¾ ounce lime juice, ¼ ounce grapefruit juice, and ¼ ounce maraschino liqueur.
  • Maraschino liqueur is made from distilled Marasca cherries. It’s clear liquid, with a slightly bitter almond flavor. Maraschino liqueur is fairly dry, with just a bit of sweetness. The brand you’re most likely to see is Luxardo.
  • Do not be tempted to substitute liquid from a bottle of neon-red maraschino cherries. It’s way too sweet and has the wrong flavor profile. 
  • We recommend using unsweetened white grapefruit juice in this drink. The red/ruby stuff is way too sweet (and it’s the wrong color for this cocktail). Fresh squeezed is always ideal, but canned/bottled juice works too.
  • Remember that grapefruit juice can react negatively with some prescription medications, like statins. So check the warning labels on any medications you may take. And if in doubt, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Hemingway was a frequent and adventurous drinker. If you’d like to read about some of the other drinks he favored, check out Philip Greene’s To Have and Have Another.
Hemingway Daiquiri Cocktail

For Whom the Barkeep Pours

“So I’m guessing Hemingway got drunk gradually at first,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Then suddenly.”

“Though definitely faster if he had the doble version of this drink,” I said.

“I couldn’t take many of those,” said Mrs K R. “My sun would also set.”

“Maybe I should toss one back,” I said. “And see if I’m still like the romantic young hero of A Farewell to Arms.”

“Careful,” said Mrs K R. “These days, it’s more like the old man and the rum.”

Ouch. That’s the truest sentence I know.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Classic Daiquiri Cocktail
Death in the AFternoon Cocktail
Bacardi Cocktail
Boulevardier Cocktail
Cubra Libre Cocktail
Dary and Stormy Cocktail
El Presidente Cocktail
Mojito Cocktail
Stork Club Cocktail
Or check out the index for more

74 comments:

Terry at Blue Kitchen said...

I'm delighted to see this. Rum is being neglected these days as other liquors are having their day. We do like not-so-sweet cocktails, but does the maraschino liqueur deliver enough of a sweet touch here? That said, I love the tart brightness I know the grapefruit juice will bring to it. And I'm always happy when I read your notes—there's always some gem buried there. To Have and Have Another? Perfect!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Terry, the sweetness of this is perfect, IMO -- the maraschino is sufficient. Although you could also add a bit of simple syrup if it isn't enough. Thanks for the comment.

Mae Travels said...

That's great information about all of the literati who drank at The Floridita in the 1930s. I wonder what else is known about Constantino Ribalaigua Vert, owner and chief bartender.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, Constante -- as everyone one called Constantino Ribalaigua Vert -- was a pretty interesting guy, and probably did more than anyone else to perfect the regular daiquiri we all know and love. There's actually a reasonable amount of info available on him out there on the interwebs. Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

I love love Key West and wish I had been a mouse around to watch Hemingway, or be one of his cats back then! What a life! He was a great writer, as in "A Farewell to Arms," what a book, plus all the rest! And the perfect quote from that book, "Nothing ever happens to the brave." He had a commanding flawed personality and he definitely enjoyed a drink or 20. Supposedly he got drunk and slept with a bear once. Plus, he was a looker!
I love Daiquiris, grapefruit juice and Ernest Hemingway so your cocktail is a win, win, win for me!!! Very nice post and drink, thanks!

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

Well that says a lot about someone if they drank so much many cocktails are named or inspired by them, but he had good taste. This looks FAb with the grapefruit juice (and marashino liqueur good to point the disctinction).

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

I'd be saying A Farewell to Legs if I drank 2 of these, let alone 16! This is the first time I've heard of maraschino liqueur. I love all the notes you include with your recipes.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, bet you'll LOVE this drink! The daiquiri is one of our favorites drinks, and this one is every bit as good. Might even be a tad better! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, this is indeed a FAB drink! And Hemingway was a character, wasnn't he? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jean, yup, two of these would be my limit. Can't imagine more than one of the doble version! Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I think I might have to channel my inner Hemingway. Surely drinking these gave him great vision and the fortitude to see the sun rise. Or set!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, I think he saw it rise after it set. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I have everything to make this minus the grapefruit juice. Can't wait to try it! love your rum concoctions!

Tricia Buice said...

I would find myself sipping away and wouldn't even notice a change until I try to stand up. I'm such a cheap date! But this sounds delicious. Heading to the beach soon - may have to mix this up for the whole family - except the grandkids ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, it's really a good drink. We love rum! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, this would be a wonderful beach drink! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

Oh, I just finished juicing up a whole lot of grapefruits- taken from my neighbor's tree. This should set me up for months with this cocktail!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, great timing! Enjoy. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Velva said...

You and I ride the same wave on cocktails. This Hemingway special looks delightful. Seeing that Hemingway spent a lot of time in Key West ( Southern most tip of the U.S.) and a place where grapefruits are abundant, its no surprise it was one of his favorites.

Velva

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Velva, Key West is fun! We've been to Hemingway's house there -- really worth seeing. Thanks for the comment.

Rocquie said...

This drink sounds delicious with the rum and grapefruit juice. I don't ordinarily imbibe in cocktails because I fear I would be like Hemingway--getting drunk late into the night. But I always enjoy reading your cocktail histories. And always, I love your beautiful photography. Cheers, Rocquie

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, Hemingway could pack it away, couldn't it? Cocktails are fun, but not as many as he often drank! Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

John this drink is fabulous. Can't wait to give it a try as you know we love grapefruit juice. Sounds refreshing. You and Ms. Riff are making us laugh again as always with your end of the post antics. Wishing you a super week. Pinning, of course!

Merryn said...

Just classic, this has the perfect balance of sweet, tart and alchohol to kick off a Friday night. But not 16 of them ... you would sleep the entire weekend away too scared to wake up. I will have to look for grapefruit juice as grapefruit are out of season and try this cocktail. thank you 8)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, this is a wonderful drink! But then, the daiquiri is one of our favorites, and this is a fun variation. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, yeah, 16 is just ridiculous, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Dahn @savorthebest said...

oh frappe style sounds really good! I couldn't drink it like Hemingway though LOL

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

Sounds like a nice refreshing drink. I like the grapefruit in this drink. No matter how much I love this drink I don't think I could drink 16, I would be under the table way before that.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, it's a fun way to drink this! The original frozen daiquir. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, 16 is an astonishing number to drink! Hard to believe it's true, but apparently there are witnesses to the feat. Thanks for the comment.

sherry said...

wow that sounds like a hefty drink - just my fave type:) have never heard of maraschino liqueur before- sounds delicious! cheers S

Angie's Recipes said...

This sounds and looks fantastic, John. As always, gorgeous shots!

All That I'm Eating said...

Yum! More cocktails with grapefruit juice in! Deliciously refreshing.

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

My head is spinning a little bit at the thought of drinking 16 of these. I'm all in for a citrus-y cocktail--YUM--but holy cow! I'm impressed he was able to write anything, let alone masterpieces, as I'd be hungover for years after something like that :)

Cocoa and Lavender said...

Finally, another use for that bottle of maraschino liqueur in the cabinet... I love the story of this drink, John - and the charming postscript with Mrs. K R. Happily for me, my statin was changed this year to one that allows grapefruit... Daiquiris here we come! (Probably not the Doble, though.)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, maraschino liqueur is really fun stuff! I'm not wild about its flavor all by itself, but it mixes in cocktails beautifully -- a wonderful ingredient. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, it's a great drink. And such nice, crisp flavor! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, we've been on a grapefruit kick. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, yeah, I'm surprised he got any work done, too. Although those were the years when his output was beginning to decline, so there's that . . . Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, the Doble is too much for us! We'd just make one, and then split it. Hemingway, we are not. :-) Thanks for the comment.

amira said...

Good to know these stuff from history, I love that you always refer to the history of your cocktails. Lovely photos.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, cocktail history is fascinating! Fun even if one doesn't drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

I love this story behind the drink and the shot with the book!

Laura said...

LOVE rum drinks! And after visiting Miami and Key West in JULY, I think everyone would be drinking this frappé style! Wish the Hemingway house was open when I was there, but I did get to see it from the outside. Thanks for introducing another great cocktail that I need to try!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, great story, wonderful book. And terrific drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, good to see you! Key West is cool -- although bummer that you didn't get to see inside the Hemingway house. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

My husband loves rum, and unlike Ernest, he could probably only handle 1 of these lovely cocktails. ;-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, nobody can handle as many of these as Ernest. Nobody. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

You are the master of cocktails for sure! I’m a sucker for anything in a martini glass. 16? That’s a lot of cocktails!
Eva https://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, we like anything in a martini glass, too! Thanks for that very kind comment. :-)

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

Anything with citrus always captures my attention. I can imagine daydreaming about Hemingway's adventures while sipping this drink.

GiGi Eats said...

Perhaps this should be the drink served up this Sunday at our weekly BBQ!

Juliana said...

Oh John, another irresistible cocktail, I love the combination of lime juice and grapefruit...so elegantly presented...as always.
Thanks for the recipe...have a wonderful weekend!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, Hemingway gave us loads of adventures to daydream about! :-) Thaks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, it should be! Just don't tell Landon about the 16 that Hemingway drank -- he might consider it a challenge. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, good combo of flavors, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Kinga K. said...

So cool ❤

Jeff the Chef said...

Sixteen! I can't imagine surviving, and if I did, how I'd feel the next morning. Maybe this drink it too delicious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, I'm with you -- I don't think I'd survive that. Must have been a fun evening. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I wonder if he enjoyed it while he lived in Key West? Because it looks like a perfect refresher for that balmy location. Now, if only drinking one could make me write like he did. ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, he probably did enjoy this both in Key West and in Cuba -- he spent a lot of time in both places. Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

Where are earth do you come up with all of these cocktails and notes about them? You certainly are increasing my repertoire. :) this does look like a wonderful little cocktail to go with a classic read.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, we LOVE research. Particularly when the results are so satisfying. :-) This is a goodie. Wait until you see the one we have coming up in a couple of weeks! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

16! I always say if one cocktail is perfect. And two is dangerous. The three is downright stupid. Not that I haven't been "stupid" plenty of times in my life, but still massive quantities of cocktail is exactly the opposite of my own reasoning for enjoying a good (emphasis on good) cocktail. Of which a daiquiri is certainly one... GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, I have a hard time drinking more than two -- that danger and stupid thing and all. :-) Thans for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kriga, it is! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

Hemingway had great taste! This is a beautiful and delicious looking drink.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, he knew his drinks, that's for sure! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

This is such a great classic cocktail. Very refreshing too!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, it's a wonderful drink! Mr. Hemingway knew how to pick 'em. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

I know I would love the crisp flavors in this cocktail, John! This post was such an interesting read too, I always love all the history you provide in the notes :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, this was a fun post to research. Lots and lots of research. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Emma @ Bake Then Eat said...

Mmm another winner made with grapefruit juice!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Emma, we're on a grapefruit roll this summer! :-) Thanks for the comment.