Recipe: The Hemingway Daiquiri

In my mind, Ernest Hemingway was not just a prolific writer and a bona fide member of The Lost Generation - he was an icon that stood for "what was" and "what could be" (and conversely, "what can never be again"). His stories, penned with understated simplicity, often took place in exotic locations around the globe and involved people engaging in dangerous or licentious behavior...but always, always with style. Whether they were sipping a dry martini or chowing on French baguettes and caviar, he brought the visceral world into immediate eye level. You were there.

Now, references to absinthe are found in many of Hemingway's writings, as he was a well-known drunk, but the drink of choice for today is entitled, "The Hemingway Daiquiri" in honor of the drink Havana's Floridita bar used to serve Hemingway. In actuality, the original drink carrying his namesake was much stronger than the recipe below, but it will have to suffice.

Hemingway Daiquiri (aka Papa Doble)
Serves: 3

Ingredients:
-2 ounces light rum
-3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
-1/2 ounce grapefruit juice
-1 teaspoon sugar
-1 teaspoon maraschino liqueur

Procedure
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, then shake and strain into a goblet or a champagne saucer filled with shaved ice.

Variations: You can skip the shaved ice, if you like, and just strain it into a chilled cocktail glass—or, you can go the easy route and just dump everything into a blender, ice and all, and zap it (but really, taking the long way around makes it kind of special). Plus, you'll find all kinds of variations in the amount of grapefruit juice, sugar and maraschino; it all depends on personal taste—use what tastes good to you.

Source: Serious Eats.

Summer Daze: Root Beer Floats

Photo by Bitter-Sweet.

Summer days are the perfect excuse for chugging sweet ice cold drinks. Why not whip up a root beer float? Veryculinary.com shows you how. Just gather a few key ingredients:

1. Root beer
2. Vanilla ice cream
3. Whipped cream (optional)
4. Tall glass
5. Spoon or straw (you'll want a wide straw)

Hankering for a twist on the classic? Be creative and try the reverse (ice cream on top)!


Or, The Adult Version:

-1¼ ounces vodka
-1¼ ounces root beer schnapps
-¾ ounce Godiva Chocolate liqueur

Add ingredients to a martini shaker, shake and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a root beer candy stick.

Source: Cityscape Bar, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza

If you're on-the-go, Wendy's makes a pretty decent Frosty float. I usually get it with Dr. Pepper, but you can try the Barq's root beer if you like.

FYI, July is National Ice Cream month! Go spread the love.

Sour's "Tone of Every Day" (Hibi No Neiro)

I didn't know anything about this J-pop/rock band before Theme Magazine featured it on its "Things We Like" blog. There's something soothing and carefree about the singer's voice. The video's clever use of fans' faces from around the world brings together a diversity of people on the screen. Read the lyrics for some inspiration! A little hope for the future...

If we can embrace all the differences
It will shine the sky in rainbow colors
Your heart that gently reflects in the puddle
is your tone, as you pass through the maze of everyday

You can see it in any color, because of your clear feeling
Don't worry about it, lets just go as we are.
If we can embrace all the differences
The rain will stop, and the sky will shines in rainbow colors

Your heart that gently reflects in the puddle
is your tone, as you pass through the maze of everyday
You can see it in any color, because of your clear feeling
Let your tone shine like the rainbow

Pass through the maze of everyday
And start playing your tone