If you’re looking for a drink to celebrate this Halloween, Death in the Afternoon sounds like the perfect fit.
Contents
Death in the Afternoon recipe
Death in the Afternoon, also known as the Hemingway or Hemingway Champagne, is a classic cocktail that combines absinthe and champagne. This drink was invented by the renowned author Ernest Hemingway during his time as an expatriate in Paris. This cocktail is named after his 1932 non-fiction book Death in the Afternoon.
The drink presents a complex aromatic profile. The interaction of absinthe’s herbal, spicy, and anise-forward flavors with Champagne’s effervescence creates a smooth and sophisticated taste.
The Hemingway Champagne goes well with subtly sweet desserts like dark chocolate truffles or crème brûlée. A lemon and thyme tart or vanilla panna cotta with anise-infused berries are also good options.
You can pair this drink with appetizers like oysters with mignonette sauce or goat cheese crostini with honey and thyme. Smoked salmon blinis, crab cakes, and citrus-based salads also work well. For main dishes, pair the cocktail with herb-crusted rack of lamb, lemon and dill poached salmon, or roasted chicken with tarragon.
Here’s how to make the Death in the Afternoon (Hemingway Champagne):
Death in the Afternoon (Hemingway Champagne)
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz absinthe or anise-flavored liqueur
- 4 oz chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- In a champagne flute, pour the absinthe.
- Slowly add the chilled Champagne, allowing it to mix gently.
- Garnish with a lemon twist for a refreshing finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Similar Recipes:
If absinthe is unavailable, you can use:
- Absente: A legal alternative to absinthe.
- Pastis (e.g., Pernod): Offers a similar anise flavor profile but may alter the drink’s character slightly
While champagne is traditional, other sparkling wines like Prosecco can be used as a more affordable option. This can change the cocktail’s flavor profile while maintaining its bubbly nature.
Variations
From this recipe, you can create other versions by changing or adding ingredients. Here are some suggestions:
- Wine Alternative
- Replace Champagne with dry rosé sparkling wine
- Add a splash of lavender syrup
- Citrus Addition
- Use blood orange sparkling wine
- Add a dash of orange bitters
- Garnish with an orange peel twist
- Green Fairy Fizz
- Add ½ oz green apple liqueur
- Use brut sparkling cider instead of Champagne
- Rim the glass with sugar and crushed star anise
- Herbal Infusion
- Muddle a few basil leaves in the glass before pouring
- Use prosecco and add ½ oz elderflower liqueur
- Garnish with basil or lemon zest
- Dark Version
- Use black sparkling wine (e.g. Lambrusco or sparkling red)
- Add 1 tsp activated charcoal syrup (for visual effect)
- Garnish with a dark cherry on a pick