Hemingway Special cocktail in a coupe — Grapefruit juice

Hemingway Special Cocktail Recipe

sour boozy citrus

white rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, maraschino liqueur

History

The Hemingway Special is El Floridita’s house name for the daiquiri variation created for Ernest Hemingway in Havana. Unlike the classic Hemingway Daiquiri (which balances lime and grapefruit more evenly), this version leans a touch heavier on grapefruit while keeping the same dry, sugar-free profile that suited Hemingway’s tastes. White rum, grapefruit, lime, and maraschino liqueur—tart, bright, and spirit-forward. A refined Cuban classic with literary pedigree.

Ingredients

white rum 2 oz

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grapefruit juice 0.75 oz

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lime juice 0.5 oz

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maraschino liqueur 0.5 oz

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How to make

Shake rum, grapefruit, lime, and maraschino with ice until very cold.
Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Serve dry—no sugar syrup.

Glassware

Coupe

A wide bowl shows aroma and holds stirred or shaken drinks without stemware tipping over as easily as a V-shaped martini glass.

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Hemingway Special FAQ

What ingredients are in a Hemingway Special?

A Hemingway Special is made with white rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and maraschino liqueur. Amounts and pantry matching are in the ingredients list on this page.

How do you make a Hemingway Special?

Shake rum, grapefruit, lime, and maraschino with ice until very cold. Double-strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lime wheel. Serve dry—no sugar syrup.

What glass do you serve a Hemingway Special in?

Serve a Hemingway Special in a Coupe. A wide bowl shows aroma and holds stirred or shaken drinks without stemware tipping over as easily as a V-shaped martini glass.

Can I make a Hemingway Special with bottles I already own?

Add your spirits and mixers in Pantry. My Cocktail Pantry will show whether this Hemingway Special is ready to mix or which ingredients you are missing.