Hemingway Special Recipe: Raise a Glass to Classic Elegance

Hemingway Special Cocktail: Easy Recipe & Pro Tips

Uncover the timeless allure of the Hemingway Special cocktail. This in-depth recipe combines white rum, citrus juices, and maraschino liqueur for a sophisticated libation.

Hemingway Special Cocktail Ingredients

  • 60 ml (2 oz) white rum
  • 22.5 ml (0.75 oz) fresh lime juice
  • 15 ml (0.5 oz) grapefruit juice
  • 15 ml (0.5 oz) maraschino liqueur
  • 7.5 ml (0.25 oz) simple syrup
  • Lime wheel and maraschino cherry for garnish

Get a taste of the Hemingway Special! This tropical cocktail brings out citrusy notes of grapefruit and lime, mixed with bold, sweet maraschino liqueur. It’s an invigorating explosion of fruity flavours!

Crafting Your Hemingway Special: Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Mixing Glass

Grab a mixing glass and fill it with ice. This will help chill your ingredients as you mix them together.

Step 2: Add the White Rum

Pour 60 ml (2 oz) of white rum into the mixing glass. The smooth and clean flavors of white rum form the base of the Hemingway Special.

Step 3: Incorporate the Lime Juice

Add 22.5 ml (0.75 oz) of fresh lime juice to the mixing glass. The tangy lime juice adds a refreshing and citrusy note to the cocktail.

Step 4: Introduce the Grapefruit Juice

Pour 15 ml (0.5 oz) of grapefruit juice into the mix. The grapefruit juice contributes a delightful tang and subtle bitterness to balance the sweetness.

Step 5: Sweeten with Simple Syrup

Add 7.5 ml (0.25 oz) of simple syrup to the mixing glass. The simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Add the Maraschino Liqueur

Pour 15 ml (0.5 oz) of maraschino liqueur into the mix. The unique and aromatic flavors of maraschino liqueur lend a distinctive character to the Hemingway Special.

Step 7: Shake It Up

Securely place the lid on the mixing glass and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds. This ensures that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and chilled.

Step 10: Strain and Serve

Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass or a rocks glass filled with ice. The straining process removes any ice shards or pulp, resulting in a smooth and visually appealing drink.

Step 11: Garnish with Lime and Cherry

Take a fresh lime wheel and a maraschino cherry. Garnish your Hemingway Special by placing the lime wheel on the rim of the glass and dropping the cherry into the drink. This adds a touch of elegance and completes the presentation.

Feel free to adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your personal tastes. 

Premium and Low-Cost Recommendations

Choosing the right ingredients for your Hemingway Special can elevate the flavor experience. Consider these recommendations.

Premium Selection 

Opt for high-quality white rums like Diplomático Planas or Plantation 3 Stars. These premium rums offer complexity, depth, and a refined character to your Hemingway Special.

Mid-Range Option 

For a more budget-friendly approach, consider rums like Bacardi Superior or Flor de Caña 4-Year-Old. These rums provide a solid base for your cocktail without compromising on taste.

Budget-Friendly Alternative 

Explore options like Don Q Cristal or Brugal Blanco for a more economical choice. These rums offer decent quality and are suitable for crafting a delightful Hemingway Special without breaking the bank.

Pro Mixology Tips for the Best Hemingway Special

Fresh Citrus Juices

Use freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juices for the brightest and most vibrant flavors. This adds a delightful tanginess to your Hemingway Special.

Balancing Sweetness

Adjust the amount of simple syrup and maraschino liqueur to achieve your preferred level of sweetness. Hemingway himself preferred a drier version, so feel free to tailor it to your taste.

Shake with Vigor

When shaking the Hemingway Special, shake it with enthusiasm to fully incorporate and chill the ingredients. This ensures a well-mixed and refreshing cocktail.

The Best Glassware for Your Hemingway Special

Serve your Hemingway Special in a chilled coupe glass or a rocks glass filled with ice. The elegant coupe glass showcases the cocktail’s sophisticated profile, while the rocks glass allows for a more relaxed presentation.

The Perfect Pairing: Elevating Your Hemingway Special Experience

To enhance your Hemingway Special experience, consider pairing it with light and savory dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

Citrus-Grilled Shrimp Skewers

The grilled shrimp’s vibrant flavors and tanginess complement the citrusy notes of the Hemingway Special, creating a delightful pairing.

Goat Cheese Crostini with Fig Jam

The creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and crispy crostini provide a delightful contrast to the cocktail’s complexity, resulting in a harmonious combination.

Smoked Salmon Canapés

The delicate smokiness of the salmon, paired with cream cheese and dill, complements the Hemingway Special’s elegance, offering a balanced and sophisticated pairing.

Arugula and Grapefruit Salad

The peppery arugula and tangy grapefruit segments provide a refreshing and vibrant accompaniment to the cocktail’s citrus-forward profile.

Key Lime Pie

The tangy and creamy Key Lime Pie offers a delightful dessert pairing, echoing the Hemingway Special’s citrusy notes.

Related Topics

  • Classic Cocktails Revisited: Rediscovering Timeless Mixology
  • The Art of Citrus in Cocktails: Exploring the Zesty Side of Mixology
  • Maraschino Liqueur: The Versatile Secret Ingredient in Classic Cocktails
  • Cocktail Presentation: Elevating Your Drink Garnishes with Style
  • Exploring the World of Literary Cocktails: Sipping with the Greats

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