In Key West, a place once frequented by Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s, the legacy of the legendary writer continues to thrive, particularly through a beloved cocktail: the Hemingway daiquiri. Known for his adventurous spirit, Hemingway often engaged in boxing, fishing, and clandestine drinking during Prohibition, traits that exemplified his dynamic lifestyle, reflected in his literary contributions like "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "To Have and Have Not."

Hemingway’s influence is celebrated today in various ways, including his former home, the Hemingway Rum Company producing Papa’s Pilar Rum, and the annual Hemingway Days festival, which features a look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s, a bar he often frequented. The Hemingway daiquiri, originally crafted at El Floridita in Havana, Cuba, has since become a staple at Bar 1, located at the Key West Cooking School.

The Hemingway daiquiri is distinctively characterized by its bold flavor, made from white rum, citrus juices, and maraschino liqueur, intentionally avoiding the sweetness of a traditional daiquiri—reflecting Hemingway’s personal taste preference. Alongside this iconic drink, Bar 1 also offers other rum-based specialties like the Rum Runner and Key West Sunset.

In anticipation of National Daiquiri Day on July 19, visitors are encouraged to raise a glass at Bar 1, celebrating Hemingway’s memory with the cocktail that pays homage to his life and legacy in Key West. To craft your own Hemingway daiquiri at home, combine white rum, fresh lime and grapefruit juices, maraschino liqueur, and ice in a shaker, shaking until chilled and straining into a glass devoid of ice.

For an even bolder flavor, consider using an aged rum instead of a light rum to enhance the complexity of the drink.