The Death In The Afternoon cocktail, a classic drink with a storied past, has secured its place in the realm of timeless beverages.
This article will guide you through the process of making this great absinthe cocktail recipe, exploring its history, and detailing the precise ingredients and measurements required for a perfect pour.
Death In The Afternoon Cocktail:
Ernest Hemingway, renowned for both his literary prowess and his affinity for cocktails, left an indelible mark on mixology. While he celebrated classics like the Daiquiri and the Mojito throughout his literary journey, it’s the Death in the Afternoon that stands out as a captivating cocktail.
This compelling blend of absinthe and Champagne draws its name from Hemingway’s 1932 book on Spanish bullfighting. Legend has it that the cocktail originated from the author’s fondness for absinthe during his sojourn in France. Hemingway immortalized the Death in the Afternoon in the pages of “So Red the Nose, or Breath in the Afternoon,” a 1935 cocktail compendium featuring concoctions from 30 literary luminaries.
Within the book, Hemingway succinctly outlines the recipe: “Pour one jigger absinthe into a Champagne glass. Add iced Champagne until it attains the proper opalescent milkiness. Drink three to five of these slowly.”
Death In The Afternoon Ingredients:
Before embarking on the journey of the Death In The Afternoon cocktail, let’s acquaint ourselves with the essential ingredients:
- 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) Absinthe
- 135 ml (4 1/2 ounces) Chilled Champagne
Death In The Afternoon Recipe:
Now, let’s delve into the step-by-step guide to concocting the Death In The Afternoon cocktail, ensuring an appreciation for the historical significance of each element.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) Absinthe
- 135 ml (4 1/2 ounces) Chilled Champagne
Instructions:
- Chill Your Glassware: Begin by placing your champagne flute or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes. A chilled glass enhances the overall drinking experience.
- Pour Absinthe: Measure 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) of absinthe using a jigger. Carefully pour the measured absinthe into the chilled glass.
- Add Chilled Champagne: Measure 135 ml (4 1/2 ounces) of chilled Champagne. Gently pour the Champagne into the glass over the absinthe.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to give the ingredients a gentle stir. This ensures that the flavors mingle without compromising the bubbles of the Champagne.
- Serve Immediately: The Death In The Afternoon is best enjoyed promptly after preparation to fully appreciate the lively combination of absinthe and Champagne.
Tips for the Death In The Afternoon Cocktail:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Opt for a high-quality absinthe and a well-balanced Champagne to elevate the overall taste of the cocktail.
- Experiment with Champagne Varieties: While the classic recipe calls for Champagne, feel free to explore other sparkling wine varieties for a unique twist on this iconic cocktail.
- Absinthe Ritual: Embrace the traditional absinthe ritual by slowly pouring the absinthe over a sugar cube placed on a slotted spoon before adding the Champagne.
- Serve in Hemingway Style: If you want to embrace the Hemingway spirit fully, enjoy your Death In The Afternoon while reading one of Hemingway’s timeless works.
Death In The Afternoon: A Toast to Literary Brilliance
As you sip on the Death In The Afternoon cocktail, take a moment to appreciate the literary legacy behind its creation. Crafted by one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, this cocktail stands as a testament to the intersection of art and mixology.
The Death In The Afternoon cocktail offers not just a delightful drinking experience but a journey into the past, echoing the charisma of Hemingway’s era. So, here’s to the timeless allure of this classic libation – a toast to literary brilliance in every sip.
