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Hemingway Daiquiri

Ernest Hemingway's preferred daiquiri variation, less sweet with grapefruit and maraschino.

The Hemingway Daiquiri stands as a testament to one of literature's greatest figures and his discerning taste for exceptional cocktails. This sophisticated variation of the classic daiquiri strips away the sweetness that Papa Hemingway famously despised, replacing simple syrup with the complex botanicals of maraschino liqueur and the bright tartness of fresh grapefruit juice. Named after the Nobel Prize-winning author who reportedly consumed them by the dozen at El Floridita in Havana, this cocktail embodies Hemingway's no-nonsense approach to life—bold, uncompromising, and utterly refined. It's a drink that respects both tradition and personal preference, creating something entirely new while honoring the daiquiri's Cuban roots.

3 min
5 oz
🥃Coupe
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Hemingway Daiquiri cocktail served in a Coupe

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Lime wheel

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

  2. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.

  3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

  4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Flavor Profile

CitrusTartLightRefreshing

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Fine Mesh Strainer

Fine Mesh Strainer

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Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

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Coupe Glass Set

Coupe Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use a high-quality white rum like Flor de Caña 4-year or Banks 5 Island—the rum's character will shine through in this spirit-forward cocktail

  • 2

    Double strain through both a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer to achieve the silky smooth texture this elegant cocktail deserves

  • 3

    Fresh grapefruit juice is crucial—bottled juice lacks the bright acidity and will make the drink taste flat and artificial

  • 4

    Chill your coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving to maintain the cocktail's temperature longer

  • 5

    Adjust the grapefruit juice by 0.25 oz in either direction based on your grapefruit's sweetness and your preference for tartness

📜 History & Origin

The Hemingway Daiquiri, also known as the Papa Doble, was born from Ernest Hemingway's legendary relationship with El Floridita bar in Havana during the 1930s and 1940s. Hemingway, who was diabetic and couldn't tolerate sugar, worked with the bar's head bartender Constantino Ribalaigua Vert to create a daiquiri that suited his needs and preferences. The original Papa Doble was actually a double-sized drink served without sugar, but the modern Hemingway Daiquiri evolved to include maraschino liqueur for subtle sweetness and complexity. Hemingway's bronze bust still sits at his favorite corner of El Floridita's bar, commemorating his love for this establishment and this drink. The cocktail gained international recognition as Hemingway's fame grew, and bartenders worldwide began serving their own interpretations. Today, it's considered one of the essential daiquiri variations, representing a perfect balance between literary history and mixological innovation. The drink embodies Hemingway's larger-than-life persona—adventurous, sophisticated, and unafraid to challenge conventions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Hemingway Daiquiri taste like?

The Hemingway Daiquiri has a citrus, tart, light, refreshing flavor profile. Ernest Hemingway's preferred daiquiri variation, less sweet with grapefruit and maraschino.

What ingredients do I need for a Hemingway Daiquiri?

A Hemingway Daiquiri requires 5 ingredients: White Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, Fresh grapefruit juice, Maraschino Liqueur, Lime wheel.

How long does it take to make a Hemingway Daiquiri?

A Hemingway Daiquiri takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Hemingway Daiquiri?

A Hemingway Daiquiri is traditionally served in a Coupe, garnished with Lime wheel.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Hemingway Daiquiri?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Hemingway Daiquiri by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Hemingway Daiquiri?

The Hemingway Daiquiri, also known as the Papa Doble, was born from Ernest Hemingway's legendary relationship with El Floridita bar in Havana during the 1930s and 1940s. Hemingway, who was diabetic and couldn't tolerate sugar, worked with the bar's head bartender Constantino Ribalaigua Vert to create a daiquiri that suited his needs and preferences. The original Papa Doble was actually a double-sized drink served without sugar, but the modern Hemingway Daiquiri evolved to include maraschino liqueur for subtle sweetness and complexity. Hemingway's bronze bust still sits at his favorite corner of El Floridita's bar, commemorating his love for this establishment and this drink. The cocktail gained international recognition as Hemingway's fame grew, and bartenders worldwide began serving their own interpretations. Today, it's considered one of the essential daiquiri variations, representing a perfect balance between literary history and mixological innovation. The drink embodies Hemingway's larger-than-life persona—adventurous, sophisticated, and unafraid to challenge conventions.