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The Hemingway Daquiri builds on the classic Daiquiri by adding maraschino liqueur and fresh grapefruit juice. The maraschino and grapefruit add another dimension by contributing a unique combo of nicely balanced flavors and sweetness while upping the nice tartness of the lime. It’s one of my all-time favorite summer cocktails!
When most people think of the Daiquiri, they think of a rum and sugar-soaked frozen poolside concoction often made with strawberries (strawberry daiquiri). While they wouldn’t be entirely wrong, the classic Daiquiri is much simpler and surprisingly refreshing.
Table of Contents
Brief History
The Hemingway Daiquiri, also known as the “Papa Doble”, is named after the renowned author Ernest Hemingway. Legend has it that Hemingway frequented the El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba in the 1930s, where he developed a taste for daiquiris.
Hemingway reportedly requested a daiquiri with “no sugar, and double the rum”, making it a much more potent variation of the classic daiquiri. Maraschino liqueur and fresh grapefruit were later added to make the drink more palatable for the general public.
If you’re looking for more popular cocktails featuring maraschino liqueur, try the Tuxedo No. 2 cocktail, Brooklyn cocktail, and Aviation cocktail.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- White rum: while the classic version calls for white rum you can experiment with aged rums for adding complex nuances like caramel and vanilla.
- Fresh grapefruit juice: one large grapefruit should produce enough juice to make about four cocktails. Use a citrus juicer to juice the grapefruit easily. Do not substitute with sweetened grapefruit juice. If you have any leftover grapefruit juice you should try making the Bohemian cocktail or the Brown Derby cocktail.
- Fresh lime juice: always opt for fresh citrus. I use a citrus squeezer for easy and efficient juicing.
- Maraschino liqueur: a unique cherry-flavored spirit made from sour Marasca cherries. It’s clear, slightly sweet, and found in many classic and Prohibition-Era cocktails. Luxardo brand is the most popular choice.
- Simple syrup: the use of simple syrup is often debated in this cocktail. Some variations use maraschino liqueur as the only sweetener. I like to add a bar spoon (scant 1/4 ounce) of simple syrup. You can also omit the sugar and increase the maraschino part up to 3/4 ounces. This practice is also used in the Improved Whiskey Cocktail.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
- This cocktail is best served in a small coupe glass. It makes for a fantastic presentation given the drink’s history and age.
- Always double-strain shaken cocktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the cocktail as it warms.
- Omit the sugar and increase the maraschino liqueur to 3/4 ounces. This creates a slightly more tart cocktail that’s uniquely refreshing.
More Rum Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Hemingway Daiquiri
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum, Bacardi Silver
- 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur, Luxardo
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup, or omit and use 3/4 ounce maraschino liqueur instead of 1/2
Classic Daiquiri
- 2 ounces light rum
- 3/4 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
Instructions
- Juice your grapefruit. Combine rum, maraschino liqueur, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just made this drink and it was very refreshing. When I make it again I’ll use a scant 1/2 ounce of lime juice because it was a little more sour than I like.