Death in the Afternoon
Absinthe topped with champagne in a chilled glass — Hemingway's own invention, prescribed for mid-afternoon. Louche, anise-clouded and literary.
17% ABVMediumCocktails
Easy
Difficulty
2 min
Time
200 Cal
Calories
Flavor profile
Other
Strength
Sweet
Sour
Bitter
Taste values from the Pocket Bartender recipe catalog.
Ingredients
- Absinthe2 shots
- ChampagneTop
Ingredient substitutions
No exact bottle on the shelf? These swaps keep Death in the Afternoon close to the original.
Instead of Absinthe
- Pastis— softer anise
- Pernod— lighter, sweeter
Instead of Champagne
- Cava— crisp, budget-friendly
- Prosecco— fruitier, easier to find
Instructions
Easy as you like, pour the absinthe into a chilled glass.
Top with champagne.
Must be drunk mid afternoon for the optimum effect.
Pairs well with
Hemingway's absinthe-champagne dare drinks louche — bold French bites steady it:
- Oysters with mignonette
- Pâté on baguette
- Anise cookies
- Salted butter radishes
Similar taste
Frequently asked questions
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