The cocktail notebook · Rum & cane spirit
Hemingway Special
Rum, grapefruit, lime and maraschino. A advanced comparison study made by shake and strain.
- Base
- rum, house white rum choice
- Method
- Shake & Strain
- Glass
- Large cocktail coupe
- Yield
- One drink
Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. IBA names rum generally; record the house rum and grapefruit product.
Hemingway Special recipe
1 serving · IBA reference recipeMillilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 60 ml≈ 2 US fl oz | rum, house white rum choice |
| 40 ml≈ 1.25 US fl oz | grapefruit juice |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | Luxardo maraschino liqueur |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | fresh lime juice |
Ice: Preparation ice only; no serving ice. Garnish: None.
Learning bar service? Continue with the Hemingway Special in module 3 of the free course →
How to make it
- Chill the serving glass and confirm the exact products and any dietary requirements.
- Measure all recipe ingredients into a shaker with fresh ice.
- Shake to mix and chill; strain into the chilled serving glass; fine strain herbs or chilli where needed.
- Apply the specified garnish using clean tools; serve promptly.
Why it works: There is no simple syrup in this formula, but the maraschino liqueur contributes sweetness. Do not describe it as sugar-free.
Common mistakes, useful fixes
Unrecorded substitution
Explain the liqueur and juice; offer a suitable alternative rather than making a sugar-free claim.
Inconsistent finish
check the exact measures, products and preparation sequence.
Unclear guest expectation
explain this specification before preparing.
Serving the guest
What to tell the guest
Rum, grapefruit, lime and maraschino. Explain the liqueur and juice; offer a suitable alternative rather than making a sugar-free claim.
Dietary and product checks
Check all exact product labels and relevant guest restrictions; no generic recipe guarantees safety.
Variations
- Any variant must be named and recorded. Explain the liqueur and juice; offer a suitable alternative rather than making a sugar-free claim.
Where does the Hemingway Special come from?
Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)
The cited IBA page establishes this modern reference recipe, not a definitive country, inventor or date. This lesson keeps those historical questions open rather than repeating an unsupported origin tale. Its learning purpose is specific: There is no simple syrup in this formula, but the maraschino liqueur contributes sweetness. Do not describe it as sugar-free.
Hemingway Special questions
What is the key decision in this study?
There is no simple syrup in this formula, but the maraschino liqueur contributes sweetness. Do not describe it as sugar-free.
The guest requests no sugar at all.
Explain the liqueur and juice; offer a suitable alternative rather than making a sugar-free claim.
From a recipe to a repeatable skill
Learn the method behind the order.
Hemingway Special is a required study in Advanced Cocktails & Refined Bar Service, module 3: Controlled balance and prepared components. Compare a multi-citrus, maraschino-modified sour with the foundation Daiquiri.
The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.