Hemingway Special Cocktail: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 oz of White Rum
  • 1/2 oz of Freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 oz of Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 oz of Maraschino liqueur
  • 1/2 oz of Simple syrup
  • 1 cup of Crushed ice
  • Grapefruit slice and cherry for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Pour the white rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, Maraschino liqueur, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add the crushed ice to the shaker.
  3. Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.
  5. Garnish the cocktail with a slice of grapefruit and a cherry before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cocktail shaker - To mix and shake the ingredients together.
  • Cocktail strainer - To strain the cocktail into a glass, separating the ice and any solids.
  • Crushed ice - Used in the cocktail shaker to chill the drink and dilute it slightly.
  • Chilled glass - A glass pre-chilled in the freezer to keep the cocktail cold.
  • Garnish tools - Such as a small knife or peeler to slice the grapefruit, and a cocktail pick for the cherry.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the white rum with dark rum for a richer flavor.
  • Experiment with different citrus juices such as orange or lemon instead of grapefruit.
  • Add a splash of grenadine for a sweeter version of the Hemingway Special.
  • Try using flavored liqueurs such as orange liqueur or raspberry liqueur instead of Maraschino liqueur.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with a non-alcoholic rum alternative or use club soda as a base.
  • Add a dash of bitters for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or basil for an aromatic twist.

Recipe overview

The Hemingway Special is a bright, flavorful cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. Named after the renowned writer, Ernest Hemingway, this drink is a refreshing mix of white rum, lime, grapefruit, and a touch of Maraschino liqueur. This cocktail is delightfully sour with a hint of sweetness and has a vibrant citrus flavor that makes it a popular choice in warm weather. Despite its complex taste, the Hemingway Special is surprisingly easy to make. All you need is a handful of ingredients and a cocktail shaker. In just a few steps, you'll shake up a delicious cocktail that will transport you to a sunny seaside resort. Enjoy this classic concoction as a pre-dinner aperitif or a relaxing drink to wind down your day.

Common questions

  1. What type of rum should I use for the Hemingway Special?
    You should use white rum for this recipe.
  2. Can I use bottled lime juice instead of freshly squeezed?
    It is recommended to use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
  3. Can I substitute the grapefruit juice with another citrus juice?
    While grapefruit juice is a key ingredient in the Hemingway Special, you may experiment with other citrus juices, but it will alter the taste of the cocktail.
  4. What is Maraschino liqueur?
    Maraschino liqueur is a sweet cherry-flavored liqueur. It is an essential ingredient in the Hemingway Special, providing a distinct flavor to the cocktail.
  5. What is simple syrup, and can I make it at home?
    Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water. It is commonly used as a sweetener in cocktails. You can easily make it at home by dissolving sugar in boiling water, then allowing it to cool.
  6. Do I need a cocktail shaker to make this recipe?
    Yes, a cocktail shaker is recommended to mix the ingredients thoroughly and chill the cocktail.
  7. Can I use regular ice cubes instead of crushed ice?
    Crushed ice is preferred as it helps to dilute the cocktail and achieve the desired texture. Regular ice cubes may not provide the same result.
  8. How should I garnish the Hemingway Special?
    Garnish the cocktail with a slice of grapefruit and a cherry. This adds visual appeal and complements the flavors of the drink.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cocktail shaker - Used to mix and chill the ingredients.
  • Jigger - Helps measure the precise amounts of each ingredient.
  • Citrus juicer - Useful for squeezing fresh lime and grapefruit juice.
  • Muddler - Used to crush the ice for the cocktail.
  • Bar spoon - Helps to stir and mix the ingredients.
  • Strainer - Necessary for straining the cocktail into a glass.
  • Chilled glass - Ideal for serving the cocktail in a cold and refreshing manner.
  • Garnish picks - Useful for skewering the grapefruit slice and cherry for garnish.

Origin stories

The Hemingway Special is a delicious cocktail with a unique history. This drink was inspired by the famous writer, Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was known to frequent a bar in Havana, Cuba called La Florida, or as he referred to it, "the Floridita." One hot day, he sampled their frozen daiquiri and declared it good, but suggested a version with less sugar and more rum. The bartender created a new version just for him, replacing the sugar with maraschino liqueur and grapefruit juice. This concoction was so much to Hemingway's liking that he often consumed them in generous quantities. The cocktail was later named "Hemingway Special" in his honor, and is still served at the Floridita today.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.