When most people think of the daiquiri, they think of a rum and sugar-soaked frozen poolside concoction sometimes made with strawberries. While they aren’t entirely wrong, the traditional daiquiri recipe is actually a classic cocktail served straight up like a martini.

What is a Classic Daiquiri?

The daiquiri is a classic cocktail that dates back to Cuba over 100 years ago (I wasn’t there but that’s what the internet tells me), made with rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar, almost like a rum gimlet, served straight up in a coupe glass.

A simple cocktail, with real ingredients. Unfortunately, the daiquiri has gotten butchered over the years just like the margarita. Tequila, more tequila, and some artificially sweet and sour mix to drown it all. I digress.

So what’s the deal with the Hemingway daiquiri and is it actually named after Ernest Hemingway? Yes.

What Did Ernest Hemingway Drink?

I’m not going to go all history on you, but the Hemingway Daiquiri is a souped-up variation of the traditional daiquiri, named after Ernest Hemingway himself. History tells us this was his drink of choice while he was writing and living in Cuba. From what I’ve read, the cocktail slowly evolved over time to Hemingway’s liking.

Hemingway Daiquiri Ingredients

The Hemingway Daiquiri poses two very important differences from the classic daiquiri. Maraschino liqueur and fresh grapefruit juice. The maraschino and grapefruit add another dimension by contributing a unique combo of balanced flavors while cutting the tartness of the lime.

While it may not be what you expected, the daiquiri is still the perfect refreshing summer cocktail in my eyes, even if it’s not frozen and served in a pineapple.

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