If you’re a fan of refreshing, citrusy drinks with just the right balance of sweet and tart, you’re going to love the Hemingway Daiquiri!
Named after the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway (who had a thing for rum and lime), this cocktail is a total crowd-pleaser.
It’s light, zesty, and perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon or when you need a little escape to the tropics.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and trust me, it’s foolproof—plus, it feels fancy without a lot of effort.
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz white rum (like Bacardi or Havana Club)
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice (pink or ruby red works best!)
- ½ oz maraschino liqueur (Luxardo is a classic choice)
- ¼ oz simple syrup (optional, if you like it a touch sweeter)
- Ice (for shaking)
- Garnish: Lime wheel or small grapefruit wedge
Pro Tips
- Use fresh juices. Fresh lime and grapefruit juice make a huge difference—don’t even think about bottled here!
- Taste as you go. The Hemingway Daiquiri is naturally tart, but if you like a sweeter drink, add a tiny bit of simple syrup until it’s just right for you.
- Chill your glass. Pop your coupe glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving for an extra-frosty finish.
- Shake it hard! The ice helps chill and slightly dilute the drink, so don’t skimp on the shaking.
- Double the batch. It’s so easy to make two at once if you’ve got company (or just want a second round for yourself).
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tools
- Citrus juicer
- Strainer
- Coupe glass or any small cocktail glass
- Cutting board and knife
Substitutions & Variations
- No maraschino liqueur? Swap in a splash of Cointreau or triple sec for a different twist.
- Try a flavored rum, like coconut or grapefruit rum, for a fun variation.
- Add a dash of Angostura bitters for a bit of spice and complexity.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can juice the lime and grapefruit up to a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
How to Make the Hemingway Daiquiri
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Juice your lime and grapefruit. Measure out all your ingredients so they’re ready to go.
2. Shake It Up
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Add the rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur, and simple syrup (if using). Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
3. Strain & Serve
Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or small grapefruit wedge, and serve immediately.
Leftovers & Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’ve pre-mixed a batch (minus the ice), you can keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake it with ice before serving.
Cheers to Trying Something New!
The Hemingway Daiquiri is a timeless drink that’s easy to fall in love with—whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just dipping your toes into making drinks at home. Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out for you! Did you love it as-is, or did you put your own spin on it? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear all about it. Cheers! 🍹
