Death in the Afternoon Cocktail Recipe: Origins & Variations

The Death in the Afternoon cocktail is a distinctive and potent mix of absinthe and champagne. It was created by famed American writer Ernest Hemingway, who named it after his 1932 book on Spanish bullfighting. Hemingway, a known enthusiast of absinthe, famously suggested drinking this cocktail by pouring one jigger of absinthe into a glass and slowly adding champagne until the mixture achieved the desired opaqueness. The cocktail combines the herbal, anise-flavored sharpness of absinthe with the effervescence of champagne, resulting in a drink that’s strong yet light, bitter yet refreshing.

Over time, variations of the Death in the Afternoon cocktail have emerged, giving a modern twist to the original recipe. Some bartenders substitute the traditional absinthe with pastis or other anise-flavored liqueurs for a subtler flavor. Others experiment by adding a splash of citrus, bitters, or fruit syrup to balance out the bitter notes of the absinthe, creating a more complex flavor profile. The champagne can also be swapped with prosecco or sparkling wine, depending on availability and personal preference. While Hemingway's recipe remains the most iconic, these variations allow the cocktail to be more accessible to a broader range of tastes.

Death in the Afternoon is most popularly served in cocktail bars with a strong emphasis on classic or craft cocktails. It has seen a resurgence in establishments known for their literary or historical themes, often being served in bars located in cities like Paris, New York, and London—places where absinthe culture continues to thrive. The cocktail is also popular during absinthe festivals and events where absinthe culture is celebrated, allowing aficionados to enjoy a drink that pays homage to both Hemingway and the artistic history associated with the green fairy.

Ingredients:

1 oz Pernod

5 oz Champagne

Mixing method:

Pour Pernod in a champagne flute and top up with Champagne.

This particular cocktail, and more fantastic top cocktail recipes can be found under the Alcoholic cocktails category.

Learn about the Death in the Afternoon cocktail, created by Hemingway, its variations, and where it's most popularly served. A bold absinthe and champagne mix with pernod in a champagne flute.

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