While Ernest Hemingway's oeuvre speaks for itself—The Sun Also Rises (1926), A Farewell to Arms (1929), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), The Old Man and the Sea (1952)—very often we tend to think of Hemingway's predilection for alcohol. There is even a 2015 research study that uses Hemingway's name to categorize a 'type' of drunk, describing that one friend we all have who never seems to be inebriated.
Hemingway (and his work) embody the Lost Generation; those who came of age during World War I, faced the Spanish Flu pandemic, roared in the 1920s, and then lived through the Great Depression. You can imagine a stiff drink was a solution to the many ups and downs this cohort faced. While we often believe that Hemingway's drinking went hand-in-hand with his writing craft, he actually didn't mix the two:
“Jesus Christ! Have you ever heard of anyone who drank while he worked? You’re thinking of Faulkner. He does sometimes—and I can tell right in the middle of a page when he’s had his first one.”
I recently held an Instagram Live with Coupe and Mixer—a wonderful business that hosts in-person cocktail making workshops—where I learnt how to make the Hemingway Special cocktail. The official recipe doubles the rum and lessens the sugar of the original recipe. Rumour has it that he sat down and had this daiquiri more than a dozen times in one 'sitting'. While it is recommended you drink in moderation, certainly take Hemingway's advice and serve your cocktail ice-cold!
Start by placing ice directly in your coupe glass (or whatever stemware glass you choose) to chill the glass, then gather your ingredients:
1.5 oz white rum
1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
Combine all ingredients in your cocktail shaker and then fill your shaker with ice (enough to peak over the liquid) and . Shakes vigorously (counting to 10).
Strain into your chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Sip while cracking open one of Hemingway's great novels.
If you are looking to add to your cocktail making skills, I cannot recommend Coupe and Mixer enough! I have done a few of her workshops now, and have ordered custom cocktails, and it is always a spectacular drink and a wonderful experience.
Cheers!
