Absinthe is a spirit that has an air of mystery. This anise flavored liquor, once thought to by hallucinogenic, was a favorite of Earnest Hemingway who topped absinthe with champagne to create a simple classic cocktail that packs a punch. The Death in the Afternoon Cocktail is an absinthe cocktail that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

The Casual Foodist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase through these links the Casual Foodist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

History

Death in the Afternoon is an absinthe and champagne cocktail created Earnest Hemingway. Named for his book Death in the Afternoon, which was written after Hemingway spent time in France, this recipe first shows up in the 1935 cocktail book So Red the Nose, or Breath in the Afternoon. Hemingway instructs readers to “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.” While this drink is refreshing it’s quite strong so I would be cautious with regards to Hemingway’sdose recommendations.

What is Absinthe?

Originating in Switzerland absinthe is a high proof spirit with an ABV between 45-74%. A mix of culinary and medicinal botanicals including fennel and wormwood absinthe has a sharp black licorice flavor and signiture irridescent green color. Traditionally served Parisian style ( known as an absinthe drip), where a sugar cube is placed on a decorative slotted spoon over the absinthe while cold water is slowly poured in order to dissolve the sugar. Absinthe also features in a number of cocktails including the Corpse Reviver No. 2 and Sazerac.

Ingredients

Absinthe
Champagne

How to Make a Death in the Afternoon Cocktail

Also known as the Hemingway Champagne the Death in the Afternoon is quite simple to make. Add 1.5 oz of absinthe to a chilled coupe glass and top with champagne. Serve as desired.

If you like the Death in the Afternoon Cocktail be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!

If you make this Death in the Afternoon Cocktail please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Youtube, Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!