Introduction
Death in the Afternoon is a cocktail that exudes mystery and intrigue, much like its creator, the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway. Known for its striking green hue and effervescent nature, this cocktail is a simple yet sophisticated blend of absinthe and champagne. Hemingway himself described it as a drink that should be consumed slowly on a lazy afternoon, making it the perfect companion for leisurely moments.
The cocktail's origins trace back to the 1930s, when Hemingway contributed a recipe to a celebrity cocktail book. He famously instructed, "Pour one jigger of absinthe into a champagne glass. Add iced champagne until it attains the proper opalescent milkiness. Drink three to five of these slowly." Its name, Death in the Afternoon, also happens to be the title of one of his books, further cementing its literary legacy.
Despite its simplicity, the cocktail carries an air of sophistication and a touch of danger, thanks to the potent combination of absinthe's herbal notes and the crisp bubbles of champagne. It's a drink for those who appreciate bold flavors and a bit of history in their glass.
Ingredients
To create a Death in the Afternoon, you'll need just two ingredients, but quality matters. Here's what you'll need to gather:
- 1.5 oz Absinthe: Choose a high-quality absinthe with a vibrant anise flavor. Its herbal complexity is the backbone of this cocktail.
- 4 oz Chilled Brut Champagne: Opt for a brut champagne to balance the sweetness of the absinthe with its dry, crisp bubbles.
Instructions
Crafting a Death in the Afternoon is straightforward, but the technique is key to achieving the perfect balance. Follow these steps:
- Pour the absinthe into a chilled champagne flute.
- Swirl to coat the inside of the flute.
- Slowly top with champagne.
Tips
- Chill your champagne flute in the freezer beforehand for an extra crisp and refreshing experience.
- Pour the champagne slowly over the back of a spoon to preserve the bubbles and achieve a perfect mix.
- Experiment with different brands of absinthe to find one that suits your taste preferences, as they can vary significantly in flavor.
- For a twist, try adding a sugar cube soaked in bitters to the flute before pouring the absinthe for added complexity.
Conclusion
Death in the Afternoon is more than just a cocktail; it's a nod to a bygone era of literary giants and adventurous spirits. Its unique blend of absinthe and champagne offers a drinking experience that is both bold and refined, perfect for those looking to explore something new.
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Death in the Afternoon recipe adapted from The Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Hellmich.
