How it tastes
Sharp, dry, almost austere. The grapefruit does most of the talking. The maraschino is a top note, faintly cherry-almond, only obvious if you know to look for it. White rum sits underneath as the structural base. There is no added sugar. The drink reads as more sour than the standard daiquiri, which is the point. Hemingway preferred it this way and asked for it doubled, which is where the alternate name "Papa Doble" comes from. We make ours single-strength.
Where it came from
El Floridita, Havana, 1930s. Ernest Hemingway drank his daiquiris at El Floridita constantly, but he was diabetic and couldn't have the sugar. Constantino Ribalaigua, the bartender, started building a version with no added sugar, double rum, fresh grapefruit, and a touch of maraschino. Hemingway nicknamed it the "Papa Doble." He was supposedly capable of putting away a dozen in one sitting, although we'd note that Hemingway was also famously unreliable about his own drinking math.
Why we pour it
The Hemingway Daiquiri is one of the few classic cocktails that has actually improved with time. The original versions tended to be heavier on the maraschino and lighter on the grapefruit. Modern proportions tighten the drink without losing the character. We pour it for guests who like a daiquiri but want it less sweet, or who like a margarita but want it lighter. The Luxardo maraschino is the part to spend on; the cheaper substitutes flatten the whole drink.
Where to drink it
On request at Soluble Solids in SS2 Petaling Jaya. We always have white rum and grapefruit. Reserve a table for a guaranteed seat. Walk-ins welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What glass is the Hemingway Daiquiri served in?
A chilled coupe, up, with a thin lime wheel floated on top. No ice in the glass. The shaker dilution does all the chilling, and the coupe's stem keeps the warmth of the hand off the bowl. The drink is pale pink-grapefruit in colour and looks best in a wide-bowled coupe.
Can I substitute the maraschino liqueur?
Not really. Luxardo Maraschino's cherry-pit-almond character is structural to the drink. Cherry brandy is too sweet; kirsch is too dry; amaretto reads almond-only. If you must, kirschwasser at half measure works as the closest emergency swap. The good news is one bottle of Luxardo lasts a year and pays for itself across this drink, the Aviation, and the Last Word.
How strong is the Hemingway Daiquiri?
Around 20 to 23 percent ABV in the glass after dilution. Lower than a standard Daiquiri because the grapefruit pushes the drink longer. Hemingway himself drank them doubled (the "Papa Doble" has 110ml of rum) which would land near 30 percent, but our single-strength pour is the modern proportion.
Where can I order a Hemingway Daiquiri in PJ or KL?
At Soluble Solids in SS2, Petaling Jaya (50-1 Jalan SS2/24, Wed to Sun 18:00 to 01:00, WhatsApp +60 11-1682 8651) and at Dissolved Solids in Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya (43-1 Jalan SS20/11, Tue to Sun 15:00 to 01:00, WhatsApp +60 11-4008 7607). Both bars are in Tatler Asia Top 20 Bars 2025/26. We always have white rum, fresh pink grapefruit, and Luxardo maraschino ready.
What food pairs with the Hemingway Daiquiri?
Ceviche, oysters on the half shell, raw fish in any form (sashimi, crudo, otoro). The grapefruit acid does what a citrus squeeze does to a raw protein. Salt-and-pepper squid works well, as do grilled prawns with sambal belacan. Avoid anything heavy or creamy; the drink is built to lift, not to anchor.