Papa's Cocktail

(The patriarch of the Solomon family, Albert Solomon, and the great Ernest Hemingway)

Who is "Papa"? It depends who you ask. For me "Papa" represents two very important people in my life: my wife's maternal grandfather and the bane of my high school existence (I now see the folly of my youthful ignorance). Both "Papas" have had an impact on my personal and professional life, but it was not until the annual Solomon family trip of 2011 that the two "Papas" would collide.

Over the past four years the extended Solomon family (fourteen people in total) have been treated to adventures from Alaska to the Panama Canal thanks to the extreme generosity of Albert Solomon. I have had the good fortune to join the family on two of the four trips: Sequoia National Park and and most recently, Kauai. In both instances the family has rented a house (or two) where everyone must contribute to cooking, cleaning, and fun. Albert is very fond of drinking, eating and competing. In his infinite wisdom he devised a cooking competition. One key component to the competition was cocktail hour. Every team was required to present a cocktail and appetizers before dinner. Each night we would meet between 5:00 and 6:00 PM, relax on the beautiful porch that over looked the beach and imbibe in a cocktail.

The week was filled with a variety of concoctions from a very classic Martini (Albert's drink of choice) to the whimsical Cucumber Yum Yum. Shauna and I decided that our meal should focus, as much as possible, on local ingredients and have a tropical/island feel. One of my favorite categories of cocktails are the sours. A combination of a base spirit, citrus, and sugar that is extremely refreshing and easy to make. Not knowing what spirits would be available I was open to whatever presented itself to me. Not surprisingly there is a local rum producer on Kauai, Koloa Rum Company. Immediately I knew we had to use this local spirit. What better "sour" for the islands than a daiquiri!

The Classic Daiquiri

2 ounces of light Rum

1/2 freshly squeezed lime

1 teaspoon Simple Syrup (adjust to your preferred sweetness level)

But not wanting to lose the competition, as Shauna and I are the reigning champions of the last Solomon Cook-Off, I thought the Classic Daiquiri may not garner as many points as we needed to keep the crown.  My favorite version of the daiquiri is the Hemingway Daiquiri. As with all cocktails there is history, variations and arguments as to what is the "truth" (here is a good article from Liquor.com on the history of the Hemingway Daiquiri). In the end, Papa Hemingway was in Havana, Cuba and stopped into a bar called El Floridita were he was introduced to the daiquiri. He fell in love with one called the #3 or #4 (depends on who is telling the story) which replaces the simple syrup with Maraschino Cherry liqueur (the most popular is Luxardo) and fresh grapefruit juice.

The only issue is that we did not have a bottle of Luxardo on hand. This liqueur is rare enough in New York City and making the likelihood of finding it on Kauai pretty slim. Well, if you are on the north shore and need some unique spirits and/or great wine there is a wine shop that will blow your mind: Princeville Wine Market. When we walked in I had low expectations but I asked and with a devilish grin the proprietor handed me a bottle. I was amazing, thrilled and can't wait to go back so I can support this great store. The family was in for a great cocktail surprise and our road to the championship was looking good.

Replacing the simple syrup with Luxardo and grapefruit juice create an earthy and less sweet version of the drink but does not decrease the "drinkabilty" by any means, as noted by the impromptu conga line the family made in the living room.

I used a recipe from famed bartender, Jeffrey Morgenthaler (I add a touch more rum to my drinks). It is VERY simple and VERY tasty!

The Hemingway Daiquiri

2 ounces light rum

3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 ounce freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

1/4 once Maraschino Liqueur

Pour all ingredients in a Boston shaker, fill with ice and shake for 20 to 30 seconds. Pour into a classic V-shaped cocktail glass and garnish with a wheel of lime.

Our Hemingway Daiquiris prior to the lime wheel garnish

In the end, the Hemingway Daiquiri made an entire family happy and a bit buzzed, maybe giving us a few more points to help retain our title as "Solomon Family Vacation Cooking Champions".  I'm not sure if it is now Papa Albert's favorite cocktail but I know he at least liked as much as the first one Papa Hemingway enjoyed, because I had to keep refilling his glass.

 

Comments

[Ugg Outlet]

Today I'm taking my first steps into technicolour!! Exciting stuff. I always planned to introduce more colour into my work at some point. I just never got around to it. And when I was working recently on my Kirk drawing, it dawned on me that another Star Trek piece would be a great first subject. The wonderfully coloured shirts. The 60's boldness. Great material for experimenting. So here's my first attempt at something else. Coloured pencils and ballpoint pen in my Moleskine. Basically I drew it in ballpoint first. Then built up the colours. Then worked the shading in ballpoint on top.

[Prada Outlet]

I just read articles of other's before, and this time I am pondering your words seriously. I like your writing style, great information, appreciate it for putting up. This time I am deeply stricked by your article.

[jeremy scott adidas]

very good ! I want like http://www.adidasjs2012.com (jeremy scott adidas)

[Coach Outlet Online]

This weekend was the first installment and it was a great way to enjoy food, community and some beer.

[tory burch outlet]

Every man has his weak side.

[Cheap Air Jordan]

Hello joyyhgdja, i'm not a good jr . at Scappoose High -Cheap Air Jordan *Short tale Portfolio, look among the many quick score merchandise internet website on la web moderators all about details, the business of 12/13 *Binder, dividers/tabs required. Cheap Air Jordan.
Good fajjpttr!!

[air jordan]

Hello joypijrqs, Tom was terrific and fall over time time here's cruel -air jordan Have ^_^ Fun air jordan.
Good choscgdw!!