Death in the Afternoon Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Have a vicariously delicious experience with the potent and dramatic Death In The Afternoon cocktail.

“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.”

– Ernest Hemingway

Author, adventurer, raconteur and drinker Ernest Hemingway lived a life that could only be described as legendary. His writing—and cocktails—still rise to the top when put up against anything that dares to compete. Many of his works, such as The Old Man and the Sea, are taught in both middle and high school, and many of them have been turned into Hollywood classics, like To Have and Have Not. Even though he passed away in 1961, his presence continues to loom large. In Key West, Florida, every year the Hemingway Days celebration happens, comprised of parades, lookalike contests and of course, an almost endless sea of Papa’s favorite libations.

Tonight’s drink is an invention from the man himself, and is named for one of his novels, the Death in the Afternoon cocktail. Like his above quote states, the recipe is a simple and strong one. Absinthe topped with chilled champagne, nothing more. Both opulent and decadent, this tipple is said to have been inspired by the writer’s time in Paris, where he discovered and immensely enjoyed absinthe.

His recipe was unleashed upon the world in a book with the incredible title So Red the Nose, or Breath in the Afternoon in 1935. This was a collection of cocktail recipes from famous authors, and is where Hemingway’s own instructions for this powerhouse potion first appeared.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Death In The Afternoon Cocktail?

When choosing a champagne to top your drink with, you can go with a fine and expensive French bottle, such as a Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon or Taittinger. Prosecco is an excellent option as well, and a nice, crisp extra dry Blanc de Blancs is what I personally would choose. You don’t want something too sweet. For the absinthe, Pernod, St. George and Parnasse are popular and easy to find in many areas. While herbaceous in flavor, some brands will be a little sweeter and more floral than others.

What glassware and garnish are used?

You’ll want a wide-mouth cocktail coupe or champagne goblet to enjoy this drink. Garnish with a lemon twist if you wish.

What is a good substitute for absinthe?

For some absinthe alternatives, you can try using ouzo, Herbsaint or Pastis, which are all anise flavored.

Other Cocktails For The Hemingway Fan To Enjoy

Maybe this year you’ve decided to travel the world and write that novel that’s been brewing inside you. Or you might’ve decided to skip the writing entirely and get right to the fun part of being a globe-trotting author, the cocktails! Ernest Hemingway had his favorites, so if you dare try to imbibe as he did, check out these recipes.

• Daiquiri – The classic Caribbean drink that captured Hemingway’s imagination.
• Hemingway Daiquiri – The iconic scribe loved his daiquiris so much he crafted his own.
• Papa Doble – Papa loved his own daiquiri so much he drank two at a time, hence this drink’s nickname.
• Americano – While in Italy, Hemingway is said to have had his share of this sparkling and refreshing elixir.