Hemingway Daiquiri
The Hemingway Daiquiri, also known as the Papa Doble, is a classic cocktail steeped in literary history and Cuban charm. Created at the famed El Floridita bar in Havana, it was a favourite of the author Ernest Hemingway. Unlike the standard sweet Daiquiri, this version omits sugar, doubles the rum, and adds grapefruit juice and Maraschino liqueur, resulting in a distinctively tart, complex, and refreshing drink. It's a sophisticated blend perfect for those who appreciate a drier, more spirit-forward cocktail experience. Master this iconic recipe for a taste of cocktail history.
Ingredients
- 6 cl white rum
- 2 cl lime juice
- 2 cl grapefruits
- 1.5 cl maraschino liqueur
- 1 wedge lime
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
Pour the white rum, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, and Maraschino liqueur into a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels ice-cold.
Discard the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
Double strain the mixture through the shaker's strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
Trivia
- What is a Hemingway Daiquiri?
A Hemingway Daiquiri is a classic cocktail variation made famous by author Ernest Hemingway at the El Floridita bar in Havana. It typically consists of white rum, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, and Maraschino liqueur, served chilled and without sugar.
- How is a Hemingway Daiquiri different from a regular Daiquiri?
The main differences are the absence of sugar and the addition of grapefruit juice and Maraschino liqueur in the Hemingway version. A traditional Daiquiri is simpler, containing only rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Hemingway reportedly preferred his Daiquiris without sugar and with double the rum, leading to this variation's creation.
- Why is it called the Hemingway Daiquiri?
It's named after the renowned American author Ernest Hemingway, who frequented the El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba. He famously asked the bartender to make his Daiquiri with no sugar and double the rum, which evolved into the recipe known today, also sometimes called the 'Papa Doble'.
- What does a Hemingway Daiquiri taste like?
The Hemingway Daiquiri is known for its distinctly tart, dry, and complex flavour profile. The grapefruit and lime provide a sharp citrusy tang, balanced by the subtle bittersweet, cherry-almond notes of the Maraschino liqueur and the clean taste of the white rum. It's significantly less sweet and more spirit-forward than a standard Daiquiri.
- What kind of rum is best for a Hemingway Daiquiri?
A good quality Cuban-style white rum is traditionally used and recommended for a Hemingway Daiquiri. Look for a clean, light-bodied rum that won't overpower the other ingredients, allowing the citrus and Maraschino notes to shine through. Brands like Havana Club (where available) or other quality light rums work well.
- Can I make a Hemingway Daiquiri sweeter?
While the classic Hemingway Daiquiri is defined by its lack of sugar, you can certainly adjust it to your taste. If you find the original too tart, try adding a small amount (perhaps 1/4 oz or 0.75 cl) of simple syrup. This makes it less authentic to Hemingway's preference but more palatable for some.