Hemingway Daiquiri

ABV 19% / 2 alcoholic units

Primary spirit: Rum

A Brief History of the Hemingway Daiquiri

The Hemingway Daiquiri, often referred to as the "Papa Doble," is closely associated with the renowned American author Ernest Hemingway. It's believed to have been created for him at El Floridita, a famous bar in Havana, Cuba, during the 1930s.

Ernest Hemingway was a frequent patron of El Floridita, and it was here that he enjoyed his beloved daiquiris. He was known to favour a stronger version of the classic daiquiri, which led to the creation of the Hemingway Daiquiri. Hemingway's special request included double the rum and the addition of grapefruit and maraschino liqueur, but without the sweetness, resulting in a drink that was as bold and memorable as his novels.

The Hemingway Daiquiri is often linked to Hemingway's adventurous spirit and his fondness for Cuba—a place that greatly influenced his writing and his love for cocktails.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Hemingway Daiquiri is celebrated for its distinct and refreshing flavour profile:

• White Rum: The heart of the Hemingway Daiquiri, white rum provides a clean and crisp canvas, with subtle sweetness and a touch of tropical fruit notes.

• Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice contributes a zesty and citrusy quality, brightening the drink and offering a refreshing tang.

• Grapefruit Juice: Fresh grapefruit juice adds a layer of tartness and a bright pink hue, creating a vibrant and balanced citrus character.

• Maraschino Liqueur: Maraschino liqueur imparts a unique and slightly nutty sweetness, with hints of cherry and almond, elevating the cocktail's complexity.

The result is a cocktail that's simultaneously tart with a captivating depth of flavour—a tribute to the Caribbean escapades and literary legacy of Ernest Hemingway.

Food Pairings

Enhance your Hemingway Daiquiri experience with these delightful food pairings:

• Ceviche: The cocktail pairs beautifully with fresh and tangy seafood ceviche, whether it's made with shrimp, fish, or scallops.

• Citrus-Infused Dishes: Dishes featuring citrus elements, such as a citrus salad or lemon-grilled chicken, harmonise with the cocktail's grapefruit and lime qualities.

• Light Appetisers: Enjoy the cocktail with light appetisers like bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, or fresh salads.

• Fruit and Cheese Platter: A platter featuring fresh fruit, cheeses, and nuts complements the cocktail's tropical and nutty notes.

Bar Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Cocktail sieve
• Coupe glass

Ingredients

• 45ml Aged rum
• 22.5ml Freshly squeezed lime juice
• 7.5ml Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 7.5ml Maraschino liqueur
• 10ml Simple syrup*
• Grapefruit twist or lime wheel for garnish
• Ice cubes

Method

• Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and double strain into a chilled coupe glass

• Garnish with a grapefruit twist or lime wheel

*Simple syrup - one part sugar to one part water. Gently heat in a pan until sugar has dissolved and allow to cool.

What's the best Rum for a Hemingway Daiquiri?

The best rum for a Hemingway Daiquiri cocktail is typically a good-quality white or silver rum. These rum varieties provide a clean and crisp base that allows the other ingredients, including the maraschino liqueur and citrus juices, to shine through while adding a touch of tropical sweetness. Here are some recommended white rums to consider for your Hemingway Daiquiri:

• Bacardi Superior (Bacardi Carta Blanca): Bacardi Superior is a classic and widely available white rum that offers a clean and light profile with subtle hints of vanilla. It's a popular choice for classic daiquiris.

• Havana Club 3-Year-Old: Havana Club is a Cuban brand known for its rum-making heritage. Their 3-year-old white rum is light and slightly sweet, making it an excellent match for the Hemingway Daiquiri.

• Diplomático Planas: Diplomático Planas is a Venezuelan white rum known for its smoothness and versatility. It has a delicate sweetness and works well in daiquiris.

• Flor de Caña 4 Extra Seco: Flor de Caña, a Nicaraguan rum, offers a dry and clean white rum option with a hint of coconut and tropical fruit notes, making it a delightful choice for a Hemingway Daiquiri.

• Don Q Cristal: Don Q is a Puerto Rican brand celebrated for its quality. Don Q Cristal is a smooth and clean white rum, perfect for crafting classic daiquiris.

When selecting a rum for your Hemingway Daiquiri, consider your personal taste preferences. White rums are often preferred for this cocktail to keep the flavours bright and fresh. Ensure that the rum you choose is of good quality and has a clean, crisp character. Ultimately, the goal is to create a balanced and refreshing Hemingway Daiquiri that pays homage to the cocktail's tropical and Caribbean influences.