Classic Hemingway Daiquiri Recipe

Ingredients

• 60 ml (2 ounces)white rum
• 15 ml (1/2 ounce)maraschino liqueur
• 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce)fresh lime juice
• 15 ml (1/2 ounce)fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 wheellime, to garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Add ice

   Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. 2

   Pour in rum

   Add the white rum to the shaker.

3. 3

   Add liqueur

   Pour in the maraschino liqueur.

4. 4

   Add lime

   Add the fresh lime juice.

5. 5

   Add grapefruit

   Pour in the fresh grapefruit juice.

6. 6

   Shake well

   Shake the mixture well.

7. 7

   Strain drink

   Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass.

8. 8

   Garnish cocktail

   Finish with a lime wheel.

What is a Hemingway Daiquiri?

This American cocktail is a variation on the daiquiri, built around rum and fresh citrus. Grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur give it a distinctive tart, lightly fruity character.

This version keeps the ingredient list short and the proportions straightforward. Shaking the juices and spirits with ice brings them together and serves the drink chilled.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 187 calories, 0g protein, 8g carbs, 0g fat.

The rum provides most of the drink’s energy, while the maraschino liqueur and fruit juices contribute the carbohydrates. It contains no meaningful protein or fat; serve it alongside a savoury snack or food with protein for a more substantial occasion.

Why these ingredients work

White rum: its relatively clean flavour gives the citrus room to stand out. Measure it carefully so it remains balanced against the juices.

Citrus and liqueur: lime brings sharpness, grapefruit adds a different citrus note, and maraschino liqueur contributes a sweet, cherry-like flavour. Freshly squeezed juice gives the drink its bright profile.

Shake for a chilled finish

Ice: add it to the shaker before pouring in the ingredients, as the method directs. Shaking well chills the mixture and combines the rum, liqueur and juices.

Straining: pour the shaken drink into a coupe through the shaker’s strainer. This leaves the ice behind while the cocktail is served without it.

Keep the balance in mind

Measure: use the stated quantities for each spirit and juice. The rum makes up most of the drink, while the smaller amounts of maraschino liqueur and grapefruit juice add flavour without taking over.

Taste: the finished cocktail is intended to be tart and dry, with some sweetness from the liqueur. Fresh citrus can vary, so use the listed amounts as the starting point for this recipe.

Serve it straight away

Glass: strain the cocktail into a coupe, as specified, and add the lime wheel at the end. The garnish adds a fresh citrus aroma as you drink.

Timing: prepare it just before serving so it reaches the glass cold and undiluted by sitting on ice. The complete method takes about five minutes.

What to serve alongside

Pairings: savoury nibbles such as olives or salted nuts can complement the drink’s citrus and rum flavours. For a fuller spread, serve it with light appetisers rather than another sweet drink.

Pacing: this recipe makes one cocktail. If making drinks for a group, measure each serving separately to keep the proportions consistent.

Recipe notes & tips

• Squeeze the lime and grapefruit shortly before mixing for fresh-tasting juice.
• Measure the ingredients rather than estimating by eye.
• Add ice to the shaker before pouring in the liquids.
• Shake thoroughly so the ingredients are well combined and chilled.
• Strain into the coupe and garnish just before serving.

Variations

• More grapefruit: Increase the grapefruit juice slightly for a more pronounced citrus note.
• Less sweet: Use a little less maraschino liqueur for a drier-tasting drink.
• Lime garnish: Add an extra lime wheel if you want a stronger citrus aroma.
• Batch preparation: Multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of drinks and shake each serving with ice.
• No coupe: Serve in another small cocktail glass if a coupe is not available.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Eyeballing the measures: The drink can lose its balance; measure each ingredient.
• Using bottled citrus juice: It may taste less fresh; squeeze the lime and grapefruit before mixing.
• Skipping the shake: The ingredients will not be properly combined and chilled; shake well with ice.
• Pouring in the ice: Strain the drink into the glass so the shaker ice stays behind.
• Adding the garnish too early: Put the lime wheel on after straining so it finishes the drink.

How to store

This cocktail is best served immediately after shaking. Do not store it with ice in the glass, as it will become diluted.

Frequently asked questions