Hemingway Daiquiri

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Cocktail History

The Hemingway Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that was created by Constantino Ribalaigua during American Prohibition at El Floridita Restaurant in Havana, Cuba. According to the story, American author Ernest Hemingway stopped by the restaurant to use the restroom and wanted to try their Daiquiri. After one taste of their recipe, he asked the bartender to make another with double the rum and without the sugar, and so, the Hemingway version made with rum, lime, grapefruit, and a dash of cherry was born.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

White Rum: This is a type of rum made with fermented sugarcane juice or molasses and yeast, which are distilled and then typically left unaged or briefly aged and filtered to develop a light, spiced flavor.

Lime Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe limes that has a zesty, sour flavor and light green color.

Grapefruit Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe grapefruits that has a sweet-tart citrus flavor and light pink color.

Maraschino Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with maraschino cherries, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, fruity flavor.

Lime Slice: This is a slice of lime that has been cut into a half wheel shape.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Pale yellow color

• Aroma: Citrus and cherry

• Taste: Delicate rum flavor followed by tart grapefruit and lime

• Finish: Bold cherry notes

Kendall’s Take: “I’ve never been a big fan of the overly sugary frozen Daiquiris you find at menus at chain restaurants so I’m aligned with Ernest Hemingway’s desire for a slightly drier version. I also like that the Hemingway Daiquiri is shaken, strained, and served up rather than blended. I’m in agreement that the original isn’t quite complex enough and that it tastes much better with a touch more grapefruit.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.