S2E12 // "Hemingway Daiquiri" [Classic Variation]
Earnest Hemingway was a prolific writer who captured an important era in American History. He was a legendary writer known for his novels, short writings, and his journalistic pieces. Beyond being a talented writer, he was also a legendary drinker. During his time in Cuba, he made himself an installation at a bar, lovingly called “La Floradita” by locals. This bar was famous for its daiquiris. Hemingway would order his daiquiri custom-made to his preference: a long, stiff pour of rum with plenty of lime, no sugar---he thought sugar slowed him down. He referred to this version as the “Papa Doble” when ordering glass after glass of this drink.
The accepted variation of the daiquiri called the Hemingway Daiquiri was not actually the version he preferred. La Floradita not only prided itself in the best daiquiris, but also a wide selection of variations as well. Drink historians have said that the Hemingway Daiquiri is closer to one of these variations, giving credit to an unknown bartender who embellished the original. The icy, sour rum concoction that is the “Papa Doble” does share a trait as the “Hemingway Daiquiri”: both don’t have proper sugar components, a quality that Earnest Hemingway would have approved of.
The “Hemingway Daiquiri” differs from the traditional daiquiri with the addition of grapefruit juice and the substitution of maraschino liqueur. These changes make for a very crisp daiquiri. Grapefruit juice increases the floral aroma of the drink and adds that characteristic bitterness. The maraschino liqueur adds a funky complexity to the drink that is unmistakable, but without an obvious sweetness. Together, they provide a more interesting backdrop to the rum and lime without stealing the spotlight. It’s a tart, complex riff on a daiquiri, perfect for somebody who needs something refreshing to cut through a hot summer day.
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