Picture this: a steamy night at the El Floridita bar on the outskirts of Havana, a lively mambo playing in the background, and yourself in the middle of a tropical paradise drinking a tart, icey cocktail that was created for none other than Ernest Hemingway.
There is perhaps no writer who was a bigger fan–or more ardent supporter–of cocktail culture than Hemingway, author of classic American short stories, essays, and novels like A Farewell to Arms and Death in the Afternoon. From capturing the running of the bulls in Pamplona to thrilling African safaris, Hemingway shared his adventures with generations of avid readers–and he was always up for a drink.
Hemingway in Havana
While Hemingway was a passionate traveler who drew inspiration from every corner of the globe, no country was closer to his heart than Cuba. It’s no surprise, then, that Havana is the birthplace of the cocktail that bears Hemingway’s name. While the exact events surrounding its creation are lost to history, we do know that a lot of trial and error was involved before the Hemingway Daiquiri earned Papa’s stamp of approval in 1921.
Hemingway, who didn’t have a taste for sweet drinks but loved rum and citrus, entrusted El Floridita’s long time bartender Constantino Ribailagua to craft a Daiquiri that suited his palate. Fit for a literary legend, the Hemingway Daiquiri was born. The writer was so delighted with the recipe that he would drink up to a dozen of them a day, frequently ordering them two at a time–earning the cocktail the Cuban moniker of Papa Dobles.
How It’s Made
While there are many variations of the Hemingway Daiquiri, the classic recipe calls for white rum shaken with Luxardo maraschino liqueur, fresh Key lime juice, and fresh grapefruit juice, strained and served over crushed ice with a brandied cherry garnish. As you can imagine, this is a very tart cocktail. Today, most homages pay tribute to the original while also lending some sweetness to the cocktail with cane sugar or simple syrup. The added touch of sweetness also gives the revamped Hemingway Daiquiri much-needed balance.
How, and Where, to Drink Like Hemingway
While bold prose and captivating literature are Hemingway’s legacy, he also made a lasting impression on the cocktail world. To the delight of thirsty travelers desiring to follow in Hemingway’s footsteps, many bars around the globe that were favorites of Hemingway’s keep his memory alive in the places he loved most. In Key West, Florida, both Sloppy Joe’s Bar and Captain Tony’s Saloon offer spirited tributes to the great man of letters with cocktails and Hemingway-themed contests.
Further abroad, Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy–where Hemingway whiled away many hours overlooking the Grand Canal–still serves the Montgomery cocktail, which was added to the menu at Hemingway’s request. If you’re feeling fancy, Hemingway’s Bar in the Ritz Paris is the last word in opulence, and their collection of Hemingway memorabilia–not to mention their stunning, orchid-garnished cocktails–is a must-see for any fan. While you’re there, you might want to try a Death in the Afternoon, a dizzying blend of absinthe and champagne invented by the man himself.
