Happy National Daiquiri Day!

This week I read The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway.  To me, it seemed like the perfect book to read mid-summer, while looking forward to a trip to the beach.  I can't believe that I somehow avoided reading it in high school like everyone else I know! 

Anyway, I am sure that if I had read the book in class, I would have learned all sorts of things about the religious symbolism, the themes of man vs. nature, man vs. himself, etc., all of which I would not have found very interesting at the time, but may have a little more appreciation for now.  Put all of that aside. It is a good story- a quick read that is full of adventure. And it has sharks! (Ooh, I hope that's not a spoiler!)

But you clicked on this blog and anticipated a daiquiri.  Well, stay with me, it all fits together! Apparently Hemingway fell in love with a daiquiri created in his honor at the La Floridita bar in Cuba.  Legend has it that enjoyed the drink so much that he always ordered a double. That is why it is sometimes called Papa Doble.  

I thought that in honor of National Daiquiri Day I would give this drink a try. There are many different recipes for this particular cocktail.  This is the version I loosely followed. 

Hemingway's Daiquiri

1 1/2 oz white rum

1/2 oz. lime juice

1/4 oz. grapefruit juice

1/4 oz. maraschino liqueur

Lime wedge, grapefruit twist or cherries to garnish

Pour all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice.  Strain into a chilled glass and garnish as desired.  

Note:  I could not find maraschino liqueur.  The clerks at my local ABC store had never heard of it, so I followed someone's suggestion and used 1/4 oz. cherry vodka.  I also decided to pour in some ice after my first sip.  

Honestly, the drink was a little sour for me.  (And strong!)  Some of the recipes online have simple syrup in it, which I think I will try next time.  You can find a recipe here along with an interesting article about Hemingway's consumption of the cocktail. 

Coincidentally, July 21st is also Hemingway's 117th birthday.  So on this hot day, I hope you can mix up your favorite cocktail and drink a toast to Papa. And remember- 

"Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be.  But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today." - Ernest Hemingway 

And in just in case you were wondering.  Pokemon appreciate Hemingway too! 

Thanks for stopping by today! 

~Cynthia