Have it your way, Have it Hemingway! Another Easy 4 Ingredient Cocktail

A Hemingway cocktail, also known as a “Papa Doble” or “Papa Hemingway,” is a drink named after the famous writer Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was known to enjoy cocktails, and this particular concoction was said to be one of his favorites. The Hemingway cocktail is typically associated with his time spent in Cuba.

The classic Hemingway cocktail is a variation of the Daiquiri, a popular rum-based cocktail. It is characterized by its tart and citrusy flavor profile. The traditional recipe includes the following ingredients:

• 2 ounces of white rum
• 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1/4 ounce of maraschino liqueur

The ingredients are typically combined in a shaker with ice and shaken well. The cocktail is then strained into a chilled cocktail glass and garnished with a lime wheel or a grapefruit twist. And of course, we smoked it with none other than our new grapefruit smoke dust to amp up those grapefruit flavors!!

The Hemingway cocktail is known for its refreshing and tangy taste, with the grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur adding unique flavors to the drink. It is often served straight up without ice, but some variations may be served over crushed ice for a more tropical feel.

It’s worth noting that Hemingway himself was known for his love of strong drinks, and he often requested his cocktails to be made with double the amount of alcohol, hence the alternate name “Papa Doble.” However, the classic recipe provides a balanced and enjoyable experience without extra strength.

Who is Hemingway?

Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) was an American author and journalist known for his influential contributions to 20th-century literature. He was born on July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, Illinois, and had a career that spanned several decades.

Hemingway’s writing style was characterized by its simplicity, directness, and economy of language. He often used short, declarative sentences and precise descriptions to convey the essence of his characters and their experiences. Hemingway’s works explored themes such as war, love, masculinity, and the human condition.

Some of his most famous novels include “The Sun Also Rises,” “A Farewell to Arms,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and “The Old Man and the Sea.” He also wrote numerous short stories, such as “Hills Like White Elephants” and “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” which further solidified his literary reputation.

Hemingway’s writing was influenced by his own life experiences. He served as an ambulance driver during World War I, which inspired his novel “A Farewell to Arms.” He also reported on the Spanish Civil War and World War II as a journalist. His travels and adventures, including his time spent in Paris, Spain, Africa, and Cuba, provided material and settings for his stories.

Throughout his career, Hemingway received several awards and honors, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 for “The Old Man and the Sea.” In 1954, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his mastery of the art of narrative and his influence on contemporary style.

Hemingway led a tumultuous personal life, characterized by multiple marriages and a reputation for his adventurous lifestyle. He was an avid outdoorsman, big-game hunter, and deep-sea fisherman. However, he also battled with depression and experienced physical and mental health challenges throughout his life.

The Hemingway

Given Hemingway’s preference for strong drinks, the story goes that when he ordered a Daiquiri, he would request the addition of double the rum. This led to the creation of the Papa Doble, or double-sized Daiquiri. However, it’s worth noting that the original recipe for the Hemingway cocktail did not actually include double the rum. It was simply a variation of the classic Daiquiri tailored to Hemingway’s tastes.

The addition of grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur to the cocktail is said to have been inspired by Hemingway’s desire for a tart and refreshing drink. The grapefruit juice adds a tangy, citrusy flavor, while the maraschino liqueur provides a touch of sweetness and depth to the cocktail.

Over time, the Hemingway cocktail gained popularity and became associated with the famous writer. It has since become a classic cocktail in its own right, with variations and adaptations available in bars and cocktail books around the world.

While the exact origins of the Hemingway cocktail may have some variations in the telling, it remains a beloved drink that pays homage to Ernest Hemingway’s time in Cuba and his fondness for strong, flavorful cocktails.

The Daiquiri

What is the difference between a daiquiri and a Hemingway?

A Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that originated in Cuba and has become a popular drink worldwide. It is a simple and refreshing cocktail typically made with rum, lime juice, and sugar or simple syrup. The cocktail is named after a beach and iron mine near Santiago de Cuba.

The traditional Daiquiri recipe consists of the following ingredients:

• 2 ounces of white rum
• 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3/4 ounce of simple syrup (made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water)

To make a Daiquiri, the ingredients are typically combined in a cocktail shaker with ice. The mixture is then shaken vigorously to chill the drink and mix the ingredients thoroughly. Finally, the cocktail is strained into a chilled cocktail glass or served over crushed ice in an old-fashioned glass.

The result is a crisp and tart cocktail with a balanced blend of sweet, sour, and citrus flavors. It is often garnished with a lime wheel or a twist of lime peel for a touch of freshness.

While the classic Daiquiri recipe uses white rum, variations can be made with different types of rum, such as dark or aged rum, which can impart distinct flavors to the cocktail. Additionally, some variations may include fruit purees or flavored liqueurs to add additional layers of taste.

The Daiquiri has been enjoyed since the early 20th century and has gained popularity for its simplicity and versatility. It is considered a classic cocktail that showcases the flavors of rum and lime in a refreshing and balanced way.

The main difference between a Daiquiri and a Hemingway cocktail lies in their additional ingredients and flavor profiles. While both cocktails share a base of rum and lime juice, the Hemingway cocktail, also known as the Papa Doble, incorporates grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur, setting it apart from the classic Daiquiri.

Here are the key distinctions between the two cocktails:

1. Additional Ingredients: In addition to rum and lime juice, the Hemingway cocktail includes grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur, whereas the traditional Daiquiri typically consists of rum, lime juice, and sugar or simple syrup.
2. Flavor Profile: The Hemingway cocktail has a more complex flavor profile compared to the classic Daiquiri. The addition of grapefruit juice adds a tangy and citrusy note, while the maraschino liqueur contributes a touch of sweetness and subtle cherry flavors. This results in a more layered and nuanced taste experience.
3. Sweetness Level: The classic Daiquiri relies on the sweetness provided by the simple syrup or sugar. In contrast, the Hemingway cocktail tends to be less sweet due to the absence of added sugar or syrup. The maraschino liqueur adds some sweetness, but it is usually not as pronounced as the sweetness in a traditional Daiquiri.
4. Hemingway’s Preference: The Hemingway cocktail was supposedly developed to suit Ernest Hemingway’s personal taste. He preferred stronger, less sweet drinks, which inspired the creation of this variation with a more tangy and robust flavor profile.

While the Daiquiri is a widely recognized and beloved cocktail, the Hemingway cocktail offers a twist with its unique combination of ingredients. Both cocktails showcase the versatility of rum and lime juice, but the Hemingway cocktail provides a different taste experience with its inclusion of grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur.

What is Marschino Liqueur

Maraschino liqueur is a clear, cherry-flavored liqueur that is made from Marasca cherries, a variety of sour cherries. It originated in Croatia and takes its name from the Marasca cherries used in its production. The liqueur has a distinct sweet and slightly bitter flavor profile.

Here are some key points about maraschino liqueur:

1. Production Process: Maraschino liqueur is made by distilling the crushed pits, stems, leaves, and fruit of Marasca cherries. The resulting distillate is then aged and combined with a simple syrup made from sugar and water. The liqueur undergoes further aging to develop its flavors and achieve a harmonious balance.
2. Flavor Profile: Maraschino liqueur has a unique taste that is simultaneously sweet and slightly bitter. It has distinct notes of cherry, almond, and floral hints. The bitterness comes from the compounds found in the cherry pits and adds complexity to the overall flavor profile.
3. Usage: Maraschino liqueur is primarily used as an ingredient in cocktails, where it adds depth and a hint of cherry flavor. It is a classic component in cocktails like the Hemingway Daiquiri (also known as the Hemingway cocktail) and the Aviation. Additionally, it is sometimes used in baking and dessert recipes to provide a subtle cherry flavor.
4. Brands: Several brands produce maraschino liqueur, each with their own variations in taste and intensity. Some popular brands include Luxardo, Maraska, and Briottet.

It’s important to note that maraschino liqueur should not be confused with maraschino cherries commonly used as garnishes for cocktails or in desserts. Maraschino cherries are typically made from sweet cherries preserved in a sugar syrup, and they have a distinctly different flavor compared to the liqueur.

Overall, maraschino liqueur is a unique and versatile ingredient in the world of cocktails, adding a touch of cherry sweetness and complexity to drinks.