The Death in the Afternoon

Feb 6, 2025

Kassidy Scholl, the beverage director at New York's Ask for Janice, shares her expertise on the classic Death in the Afternoon cocktail, created by Ernest Hemingway. She dives into the cocktail's unique simplicity, blending absinthe and Champagne, and emphasizes the importance of customer engagement in enhancing the drinking experience. The conversation also touches on the allure of absinthe's rich history, modern brunch adaptations, and Kassidy's own concoction, the Death in Havana, showcasing her creative approach to mixology.

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ANECDOTE

Brunch Origins

Cassidy Scholl was introduced to the Death in the Afternoon by a fellow brunch bartender.
They experimented with variations and began serving it to adventurous brunch patrons.

INSIGHT

A True Cocktail

The Death in the Afternoon, despite its two ingredients, can be considered a complete cocktail.
Absinthe provides bitterness and botanical sweetness, while champagne adds alcohol, bubbles, and varying sugar levels.

ADVICE

Perfecting the D.I.A.

When making a Death in the Afternoon, chill both the absinthe and champagne.
Slowly add the champagne to release the absinthe's aromatics and create a milky texture.

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Death in the Afternoon

Ernest Hemingway

Death in the Afternoon is a non-fiction book that delves into the history, ceremony, and traditions of Spanish bullfighting. Written by Ernest Hemingway, the book was published in 1932 and includes Hemingway's personal reflections on the sport, as well as a deeper contemplation on the nature of fear and courage. The book is divided into sections that include Hemingway's writings, pictures, and a glossary of terms. It also features a color frontispiece by Juan Gris and numerous photographs of bullfights and bullfighters. Hemingway's work on bullfighting reflects his passion for Spain and the intense life and inevitable death associated with the sport.

So Red the Nose or Breath in the Afternoon

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Ernest Hemingway

Published in 1935, "So Red the Nose or Breath in the Afternoon" is a cocktail recipe book featuring contributions from various celebrities of the time, including Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway's contribution, the Death in the Afternoon cocktail, is prominently featured in the book. The book offers not only recipes but also commentary on the contributors, providing a glimpse into the drinking culture of the era. The book's unique blend of recipes and literary commentary makes it a fascinating piece of cocktail history. It's a testament to the social and cultural significance of cocktails during the post-Prohibition era.

For Whom the Bell Tolls

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John Donne

While the podcast mentions "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in relation to a John Donne sermon, it's important to note that the title is most famously associated with Ernest Hemingway's novel. Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is set during the Spanish Civil War and follows Robert Jordan, an American volunteer fighting alongside the Republicans. The novel explores themes of war, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of political conflict. Jordan's experiences and relationships highlight the complexities of war and the human cost of ideological battles. The novel's powerful prose and exploration of universal themes have cemented its place as a classic of 20th-century literature.