Hemingway Special
A sophisticated variation of the classic Daiquiri, famously created for Ernest Hemingway at El Floridita in Havana. Also known as the 'Papa Doble', this cocktail modifies the standard sweet and sour profile by adding grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur, resulting in a drier, more complex, and refreshing drink without added sugar syrup.
What it tastes like
The drink opens with sharp citrus notes from the grapefruit and lime, followed by the funk of the white rum and a medicinal nuttiness from the maraschino. It has a light, drying mouthfeel with a tart, acidic profile that dominates the palate. The finish is long and lean, characterized by a lingering bitterness from the grapefruit pith and cherry stone.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- White Rum60 ml
- Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice40 ml
- Maraschino Liqueur15 ml
- Fresh Lime Juice15 ml
Preparation
- 1
Chill a Coupe glass in the freezer.
- 2
Fill a cocktail shaker with fresh ice cubes.
- 3
Pour the white rum, fresh grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice into the shaker.
- 4
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker is frosted and the contents are well-chilled.
- 5
Double strain the mixture into the chilled Coupe glass.
- 6
Serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Maraschino LiqueurAmaretto — This adds a sweeter, almond-forward profile while losing the dry, herbal quality of the original liqueur.
- Pink Grapefruit JuiceWhite Grapefruit Juice — White grapefruit increases the acidity and bitterness for a sharper, more traditional taste.
- White RumAged Rum — An aged rum introduces notes of oak and vanilla that soften the sharp citrus edges.
- Fresh Lime JuiceFresh Lemon Juice — Lemon provides a slightly softer acidity compared to the punchy brightness of lime.
Variations
Papa's Spice
Add two dashes of Angostura bitters and a small amount of ginger syrup to introduce a warm, spicy undertone.
Smokey Hemingway
Replace half the rum with mezcal to introduce an earthy smoke that complements the tart grapefruit.