Four Sydney Bars To Try On Hemingway's Birthday

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Like most famous (and insane) writers, Ernest Hemingway enjoyed a good drink. He was so fond of Bacardi daiquiris, in fact, that he frequented the El Floridita in Havana for his fix. One of the swankiest cocktail bars in Cuba, their infamous head bartender brought the frozen daiquiris out of the mining towns and into the well groomed hands of the elite. Hemingway’s version, the Papa Doble, took the beverage to the next level: no sugar, but double the rum.

What better time to celebrate this great man’s daiquiri legacy than on his birthday, which just happens to fall during Bacardi Rum Month.  These four Hemingway-inspired cocktails do him justice, so raise a glass in tribute to the man himself. To the bar!

SHANGRI-LA'S ALTITUDE

With one of the most beautiful views of the city coupled with an impossibly classy restaurant and bar, any trip to Altitude is certainly a treat. And suffice it to say, when it comes to Hemingway's favourite cocktail, there's no pink slush here.  A mix of Bacardi, grapefruit juice, lemon and sugar syrup, their “Cucumber Cooler” is a truly refreshing take on the daiquiri.  Topped with ginger beer and garnished with mint and a slice of cucumber, this delicate drink will have you sipping pinky out.

Level 36, Shangri-La Hotel, 176 Cumberland Street, Sydney

O BAR AND DINING

The chefs at O Bar just got this season’s first box of blood oranges, and so the idea for this beverage was born. Dubbed the Hemingway or the Highway, it's a cocktail comprised of Bacardi 8, maraschino liqueur, fresh blood orange juice and hopped grapefruit bitters. The tart citrus and hoppy bitters marks a unique departure from the traditional daiquiri. Sit back, take a sip and enjoy that 360 degree view of Sydney.

Level 47, Australia Square/264 George Street, Sydney

CROOKED TAILOR

The bartenders at Crooked Tailor love an excuse to celebrate – and having recently opened, they’ll take any excuse they can get. Their fresh take on the classic Papa Doble is the rumtastic Cuba Calling #3. The addition of sherry and smoked maraschino to the Bacardi Carta Blanca, plus a splash of sparkling wine, really makes this a standout take on tradition. This cocktail, and the bar itself, now make two good reasons to head out to Castle Hill.

250 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill

LOBO PLANTATION

Lobo emulates old Cuba in every sense, so it's only natural that it would celebrate a man who so championed Cuban culture. Their limited edition, “secret cocktail” uses Bacardi Carta Blanca, spiced pineapple syrup and pink grapefruit. Finished off with fresh lime juice and a spray of floral essence, the Lobo bartenders are pulling out all the stops for this birthday bash. We like to think this no ego joint would have gained the writer’s approval.

209 Clarence Street, Sydney

Top image: Cocktailmarler - Wikimedia Commons.