Hemingway Special
A dry, rum-forward variation of the classic Daiquiri with grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur, created for Ernest Hemingway at El Floridita bar in Havana.
Recipe
- White Rum60 ml
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice40 ml
- Maraschino Liqueur15 ml
- Lime Juice15 ml
Instructions
Equipment
Description
The Hemingway Special is a sophisticated cocktail that reflects Ernest Hemingway’s preference for strong, unsweetened drinks. This rum-forward variation of the classic Daiquiri incorporates grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur to create a complex, tart profile with subtle bitter notes. The absence of sugar syrup in the traditional recipe makes it notably dry and crisp.
Nutritional information
1 cocktail (170ml)Tips & Notes
Use only freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice for optimal flavor and brightness - bottled juices lack the vibrancy essential to this cocktail.
Choose a high-quality Cuban-style white rum such as Bacardi Superior or Havana Club 3 Year for authentic flavor that matches the cocktail's Havana origins.
Shake with conviction for a full 10-15 seconds to achieve proper dilution and temperature - under-shaking results in an overly tart, unbalanced cocktail.
If you find the drink too tart, add 5-10ml of simple syrup, but note this deviates from Hemingway's preference for unsweetened cocktails.
Pink grapefruit provides the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity while giving the cocktail its characteristic pale coral color.
What's the difference between a Hemingway Special and a regular Daiquiri?
The Hemingway Special adds grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur to the classic Daiquiri base of rum and lime juice, while typically omitting the sugar syrup for a drier, more complex flavor profile.
Can I make a Papa Doble version of this cocktail?
Yes, the Papa Doble uses 90-105ml of rum instead of 60ml, creating a much stronger drink. You may want to adjust the citrus proportionally and serve in a larger glass.
What type of maraschino liqueur should I use?
Luxardo Maraschino is the gold standard and most widely used by professional bartenders. Its clear, cherry-almond flavor is essential to the cocktail’s authentic taste profile.
Why is this cocktail served without garnish?
The traditional no-garnish presentation reflects Hemingway’s preference for straightforward, unadorned drinks and allows the cocktail’s color and clarity to shine. A grapefruit twist can be added if desired.
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