The Ultimate Hair of the Dog: Death in the Gulf Stream

Although it’s sometimes referred to as a daiquiri, Death in the Gulf Stream is a gin-based cocktail. Hemingway preferred a pungent Holland gin, but a dry London gin is equally acceptable. The drink combines gin with lime juice, Angostura bitters, and a pinch of sugar. It’s noted for its simplicity and its bitter flavor profile. As the man himself said, “it’s tart and bitter—reviving and refreshing.”

Death in the Gulf Stream Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin*
• 1 ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Pinch of superfine sugar*
• 3 splashes of Angostura bitters
• Lime peel

Preparation

1. Pour the gin and lime juice into an ice-filled highball glass;
2. Add the sugar and bitters;
3. Stir to combine*
4. Spritz the lime peel over the drink and drop it in;
5. Enjoy!

Notes

• Technically, the gin should be Genever – known as Holland or Dutch gin – which is something of a cross between gin and whiskey;
• Sugar: Hemingway couldn’t handle sweet drinks, some theorize it was from diabetes, and he often chose drinks which were tart. If that’s not you, use 3/4 oz of simple sugar rather than the pinch of sugar;
• Presentation: It’s up to you how you’d like to present the drink. Some stir to combine while others top their drink off with crushed ice and splash the ice with the bitters giving the drink a layered look. Check out the image above.

The History

When Papa Hemingway wasn’t off to war, watching bullfights, or getting another divorce, you just knew that dude was struggling with one god-awful hangover. I mean, it’s been claimed that he could put away a dozen daiquiris in one sitting. His favorite variation was the “Papa Doble,” a double frozen daiquiri. That means he was knocking back enough rum for 24 drinks!

There’s not enough Advil in the world to kick that brain freeze. So how did Hemingway recover from a righteous night on the town? He drank gin, obviously. A lot of it. His go-to hangover cure was called Death in the Gulf Stream. Sounds very Hemingway, doesn’t it?

Ernest Hemingway’s Creation

Hemingway is credited with the creation of “Death in the Gulf Stream” sometime in 1937 Key West; it was his preferred hangover remedy. But, in truth, the cocktail’s recipe was first published by Charles H. Baker in his 1939 book, “The Gentleman’s Companion Volume II: Around the World with Jigger, Beaker and Flask.” In this book, Baker – an obscure cocktail legend who has something of a following among cocktail aficionados – documents various cocktails and recipes he encountered during his travels.

Hemingway was a contemporary and acquaintance of Charles H. Baker, and he enjoyed this particular drink, which is why it is often associated with him. While Baker was cool and all, Hemingway was a boss known for his appreciation of strong, well-made cocktails. It was the legendary author who popularized the “Death in the Gulf Stream.”

Get your hands off my gin

The Name: Death in the Gulf Stream

The name “Death in the Gulf Stream” evokes Hemingway’s love for deep-sea fishing in the Gulf Stream, a warm Atlantic Ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico up the eastern coast of the United States and across the Atlantic. It’s also a nod to Hemingway’s often stark, blunt view of life and mortality.

The Era

The cocktail dates back to the 1930s, a period marked by the Great Depression. Hemingway himself was facing personal and financial challenges. The drink’s bitterness can be seen as reflective of the tough times. And while not as widely known or popular as some other classic cocktails, “Death in the Gulf Stream” has a niche following among cocktail enthusiasts and Hemingway fans.