Why is it that in almost every city in the world you can find a watering hole where Ernest Hemingway famously wet his whistle? Although the Pulitzer Prize-winning author didn’t hide his love for the juice very well, the rest of us get to enjoy Hemingway-inspired cocktails all the world over.
Last month Cube Libre celebrated Hemingway’s 114th birthday in the most appropriate way – with signature cocktails from Papa Pilar rum. The cocktails ranged from the tangy to the sweet. My personal favorite was the Sage-quiri; it is a sage infused twist on Hemingway’s favorite daiquiri using Papa Pilar’s blonde rum. Other interesting concoctions included the “Bon Vivant” Daiquiri, which utilizes cantaloupe and all-spice to bring a one-of-a-kind cocktail to life.
No happy hour is complete without some tasty nibbles to ward off the post-work tipsiness. Complimenting these delectable cocktails were a set of $5 happy hour bites presented by two time James Beard award-winning chef Guillermo Pernot. These Cuban-inspired snacks may not be kind to the waistline, but they are easy on the lips. Perro Cliente Tots with a surprise hot dog center are both yummy and heavier than the original tater tot (if that is possible). More sophisticated bites included Cuban-style crab cakes and scallop ceviche.
All in all, Cuba Libre’s Hemingway-inspired treats are worth checking out if you want to shake things up on the DC happy hour circuit. It may not be as adventurous as sipping a drink at the Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite bar in Cuba, but it is a little taste of Cuba right here in Penn Quarter.
Cuba Libre is celebrating National Rum Day on Friday, August 16 by offering a 50 percent discount on Classic Mojitos, Passion Fruit Mojitos, Coconut Mojitos, Açai Caipríñisimas made with Don Q Rum during “Caippy Hour” from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM!
– Guest Writer Yasmine (YSS)
