There’s something magical about Parisian cocktail culture—each bar feels like a portal to another time or place, with every drink telling a unique story. On your next visit to the City of Light, you’ll want to seek out Paris’ top cocktail bars, such as those mentioned in our guide, “Uncover Paris’ 5 Best Cocktail Bars”. But, what if you’re between trips or simply want to bring that Parisian sophistication into your own home? You don’t have to fly across the Atlantic to enjoy a drink steeped in the luxurious life of famed writers and explorers. All you need is the right cocktail recipe.
Enter the Hemingway Daiquiri. Named after the legendary author Ernest Hemingway, this cocktail carries with it the air of adventure, luxury, and the intoxicating essence of the 1920s. Hemingway was no stranger to the cocktail scene. He frequented many famous bars in Paris, Cuba, and beyond, and his love for a good drink was well-documented. If you’re looking to make something that feels a bit more special than the average cocktail night, this classic drink is a perfect homage to Hemingway’s sophisticated tastes—and it’s surprisingly simple to make at home!
The Story Behind the Hemingway Daiquiri
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the cocktail’s origin. While the traditional Daiquiri was already popular in the early 20th century, Hemingway’s version became a distinct variant thanks to his personal tastes. The Hemingway Daiquiri, sometimes known as the “Papa Doble,” was created during the author’s time in Cuba at El Floridita, a bar he frequented during his years living in Havana.
The original daiquiri is a delightful blend of white rum, lime juice, and sugar, shaken over ice and served chilled. But for Hemingway, a man known for his larger-than-life appetites, this drink was altered to suit his preferences—stronger, less sweet, and with the addition of fresh grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur. Hemingway wasn’t fond of sugar, so the maraschino liqueur adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart citrus notes, without overpowering the drink.
Much like the best Parisian cocktail bars, the Hemingway Daiquiri feels both luxurious and effortlessly refined, bringing the essence of the writer’s jet-setting lifestyle right to your home bar. Now, let’s get mixing.
Hemingway Daiquiri Recipe
Here’s the straightforward yet elegant recipe for making a Hemingway Daiquiri, perfect for sipping on your terrace or while dreaming of your next Parisian adventure.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum (a good Cuban or Caribbean rum works beautifully)
- ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- ¼ oz maraschino liqueur (Luxardo is a popular brand)
- Ice
- Optional: lime wheel or grapefruit twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Start by juicing your lime and grapefruit. Fresh juice is key to achieving that vibrant, tangy flavor that makes this drink shine.
- Combine the white rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled—about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or grapefruit twist for an extra touch of elegance.
And voilà! You have a refreshing Hemingway Daiquiri, perfect for a leisurely afternoon or a sophisticated soirée.
Cocktail-Making Tips: Mastering the Hemingway Daiquiri
For the best results when making a Hemingway Daiquiri, here are a few tips to ensure your cocktail tastes like it was crafted by a Parisian bartender:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh juices and high-quality rum. White rum provides the drink’s backbone, so picking one with a smooth finish is essential. You can’t go wrong with a Cuban-style rum, which is often lighter and works well in this citrus-forward cocktail.
- Balance the Citrus: This drink walks a fine line between tart and sweet. Fresh grapefruit and lime juice are essential, but taste as you go to ensure the balance is right. If your grapefruit is too sour, you might want to adjust with a tiny dash more maraschino liqueur or even add a touch of simple syrup.
- Serve It Cold: Like most daiquiris, the Hemingway Daiquiri is best served ice-cold. Be sure to shake the drink vigorously to chill the ingredients thoroughly. Straining into a pre-chilled glass will also help keep the drink cool longer.
Experiment with Variations
One of the joys of cocktail crafting is experimenting with flavors, and the Hemingway Daiquiri is no exception. Here are a couple of variations you can try to mix things up:
- Swap the Rum: While the traditional recipe calls for white rum, you can play around with different types of rum for a unique twist. Dark or aged rum adds depth and warmth to the drink, while spiced rum introduces intriguing notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.
- Add a Dash of Bitters: To give your Hemingway Daiquiri a slight edge, add a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. The bitters provide an earthy complexity that pairs well with the tart citrus and floral notes from the maraschino liqueur.
- Frozen Hemingway Daiquiri: For a summer spin, blend the ingredients with crushed ice to create a frozen version of the drink. The icy texture makes it even more refreshing on a hot day, reminiscent of sipping cocktails poolside at a luxurious resort.
Bringing Paris and Hemingway Home
Much like the Parisian bars we previously explored, the Hemingway Daiquiri offers an indulgent yet approachable taste of luxury. Imagine sipping this citrusy cocktail while reminiscing about the charming cobblestone streets of Paris or your favorite bar from the “Uncover Paris’ 5 Best Cocktail Bars” list. Whether you’re trying to recreate the ambiance of an upscale cocktail lounge or just looking for a flavorful escape from the everyday, this drink transports you to another world.
Personal Story: The Charm of Hemingway’s Favorites
I first discovered the Hemingway Daiquiri at a small, dimly lit bar in Paris. I was on a trip to experience the city’s cocktail scene firsthand and wandered into a hidden gem in the Marais district. There, on the menu, was this cocktail—named after the writer I admired for his love of adventure and culture. One sip, and I understood why Hemingway loved this drink. The refreshing citrus, combined with the subtle sweetness of the maraschino, was a perfect reflection of his complex yet unpretentious nature. Now, every time I make this cocktail, it takes me back to that moment in Paris—quiet, yet full of life.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your shaker, gather your ingredients, and bring a bit of Parisian sophistication and Hemingway’s wanderlust to your home bar. As Hemingway himself might say, “Pour yourself a drink, and let the adventure begin.”