It's always curious when myth, nostalgia, and marketing collide. Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway was hoofing it down Calle Obispo in Havana, Cuba looking for a restroom when he popped in to the Floridita to use their facilities. Before departing, Hemingway spotted the bartenders pouring a line of the same cocktail and asked to sample one. Upon sipping, Ernest proclaimed 'not bad, but make one without the sugar and double the rum'. And with this, the Papa Doble was born ... or so folklore would have us believe.
What is known is that Ernest Hemingway did indeed live in Cuba and he was indeed a prolific consumer of alcohol. Legend has it that Hemingway 'discovered' (more likely popularized) two cocktails from Cuba - the Mojito (from Bodeguita del Medio) and the Daiquiri (from Floridita).
Both establishments are still in business today, but by most accounts have become more tourist trap than proper cocktail destination. Happily though the recipes are available for all to make at home and enjoy.
The Hemingway Daiquiri has become a staple in our cocktail rotation, particularly in winter when Florida's citrus season produces its citrusy bounty. While it is unknown if Mr. Hemingway ever actually consumed his namesake daiquiri, it is a very nice balance of sweet and tart that is dangerously easy to consume.
I'd suggest using the best quality silver rum you can find - what you are looking for is a silver rum that can be sipped neat without fear of harsh, prickly edges. The next suggestion is to squeeze your own citrus - fresh lime and grapefruit really push this cocktail into the stratosphere.
The Hemingway Daiquiri
Ingredients
- 2 ounces good quality silver rum
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 ounce Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
- Simple Syrup (Optional, added to taste)
Combine the rum, lime, grapefruit, and Luxardo liqueur in a cocktail shaker. Stir and taste. If too bitter add a teaspoon of simple syrup, stir and re-taste. You are looking for a mixture that is just sweet enough to mask the cutting tartness of the fresh citrus without becoming excessively sweet.
Once satisfied with the tart/sweet balance, add ice to the shaker, plop the top on the shaker and shake well. Strain and serve in your preferred glass of choice.
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| “No, that is the great fallacy: the wisdom of old men. They do not grow wise. They grow careful.” Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms |
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