September Drink of the Month: Ernest Hemingway’s “Josie Russell”
One of history’s favorite literary geniuses and acclaimed fisherman, Ernest Hemingway, was no stranger to a local bar. In fact, he’s just as famous for enjoying a good cocktail as he are the stories he wrote. The recipe for this drink was found in Hemingway’s fishing log, handwritten in June of 1933, where the ingredients were listed under the simple heading “Cocktail”. Joe “Josie Grunts” Russell, a very close friend of Hemingway’s, ran liquor from Cuba to Florida during Prohibition, and immediately after its repeal, opened Key West’s famous Sloppy Joe’s restaurant. Hemingway was fishing on Russell’s boat when he created this cocktail.
Josie Russell (Makes 2-3 servings)
Ingredients:
4 ½ oz. rum
12 oz. hard apple cider
2 oz. fresh lime juice
2 tsp. sugar
Directions: Fill a pitcher with ice, add all ingredients, and stir well. Serve on the rocks in a Collins or highball glass, garnished with a lime wedge or peel.
While you’re kicked back and relaxing in the Home Run Lodge, whip up a batch of Hemingway’s famous Josie Russell! It’s the perfect cocktail to enjoy after a long, hard day of fishing in Venice, LA. Cheers!
Resource: To Have and Have Another – A Hemingway Cocktail Companion, via Garden & Gun
Photo courtesy: Ernest Hemingway Photograph Collection, John F. Kennedy Presidentail Library and Museum, Boston
