Hemingway, the renowned American writer, had a deep appreciation for fine alcoholic beverages. While he enjoyed a variety of drinks, two of his favorites were daiquiris and mojitos. Let's take a closer look at his love for these libations and the places that served them.
1. Daiquiris at Floridita:
Hemingway's fondness for daiquiris is well-documented, and he often frequented the famous Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba, where these delightful cocktails were prepared to perfection. The Floridita is known for its innovative take on the classic daiquiri, and Hemingway was particularly drawn to their version, which became famously known as the “Papa Doble.”
The Papa Doble was a stronger variation of the traditional daiquiri, made with double the amount of rum, lime juice, and a touch of grapefruit juice. Hemingway's affinity for this drink was so strong that he even claimed to have had “seventeen” in one sitting, though this was likely an exaggeration. Nonetheless, it showcases his undeniable love for the Floridita daiquiris.
2. Mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio:
Another Cuban establishment that captured Hemingway's heart was La Bodeguita del Medio, a lively bar in Havana. Here, Hemingway enjoyed sipping on refreshing mojitos, a classic Cuban cocktail. La Bodeguita del Medio is renowned for its mojitos and has become a popular tourist destination, thanks in part to Hemingway's endorsement.
Mojitos are made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint leaves. The combination of these ingredients creates a crisp and invigorating drink that Hemingway found irresistible. He was so enamored with the mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio that he famously wrote on the wall, “My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita.” This inscription still attracts visitors to the bar today.
Personal Experience:
During my travels to Havana, I had the pleasure of visiting both Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio. As a sommelier and brewer, I was intrigued to taste the drinks that Hemingway held in such high regard.
At Floridita, I ordered the Papa Doble daiquiri. The balance of flavors was exceptional, with the tartness of the lime and grapefruit juice perfectly complementing the robustness of the rum. The drink had a strong kick but remained remarkably smooth. It was easy to understand why Hemingway found these daiquiris so appealing.
At La Bodeguita del Medio, I indulged in their famous mojito. The combination of fresh mint, zesty lime, and the subtle sweetness from the sugar made for a truly refreshing experience. The addition of soda water added a pleasant effervescence. I could easily picture Hemingway sitting at the bar, enjoying his mojito and immersing himself in the lively atmosphere.
Hemingway's favorite alcoholic drinks were daiquiris and mojitos. He held a special affinity for the daiquiris served at Floridita, especially the Papa Doble. Similarly, he enjoyed the refreshing mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio. These iconic Cuban cocktails played a significant role in Hemingway's life and continue to be celebrated as part of his legacy.