Death in the Afternoon

By Rosie Schaap

Rating: 4(119)
Notes: Read community notes

The earliest known recipe for this bracing little number appears in the magnificently named 1935 cocktail book, "So Red the Nose, or — Breath in the Afternoon," to which many famous authors of the day contributed recipes. This one came from Ernest Hemingway, who explained: “This was arrived at by the author and three officers of H.M.S. Danae after having spent seven hours overboard trying to get Capt. Bra Saunders’ fishing boat off a bank where she had gone with us in a N.W. gale.” Even under less dramatic circumstances, it’s a drink that packs a punch. Pastis is often substituted for the absinthe, but if you want to be as Hemingwayesque as possible, stick to the original specs.

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Ingredients

1½oz. absinthe
Very cold Champagne

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
Pour absinthe into a coupe or flute. Slowly add Champagne to fill. Should be nice and cloudy.

Ratings

4 out of 5

119 user ratings

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Peter G.6 years ago

Should you find this concoction to be appealing enough to drink more than two glasses, be certain to be seated on a low chair or sofa, close to the floor, as gravity will have her way with you.

Tim3 years ago

Normally, I drink Ricard or Penrod in a tall glass, sometimes with one ice cube and of course a small pitcher of ice cold water on the side. I was introduced to this, learned to drink it this way in French West Africa. A refreshing summer-time drink. Careful, not too strong or a nap may come along the way. Having said that, I will try this as I like both and have had and liked drinks with Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco mixed with a number of my favorites. A great "welcome", "welcome home" gift.

Peter G.6 years ago

Should you find this concoction to be appealing enough to drink more than two glasses, be certain to be seated on a low chair or sofa, close to the floor, as gravity will have her way with you.

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