Death in the Afternoon

The Death in the Afternoon is a deceptively simple yet powerful cocktail combining the herbal, anise-flavored spirit of absinthe with the crisp effervescence of brut Champagne. As the Champagne is poured, it causes the absinthe to louche, turning the drink into an opalescent, milky concoction. The result is a highly aromatic, dry, and bubbly drink with a complex herbal character. It's a unique experience, perfect for those who appreciate bold flavors and literary history.
Death in the Afternoon

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Death in the Afternoon is categorized as a classic cocktail. It is a simple yet potent two-ingredient drink, often considered a Champagne cocktail due to its primary component. Its unique preparation and history secure its place in the classic cocktail canon.

Serving

Served cold in a chilled Champagne flute or coupe, this is a relatively small but strong, sparkling cocktail. The alcohol content can vary depending on the spirits used.
Serving size
approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Champagne Flute or Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was invented by and popularized by the American author Ernest Hemingway. It was first published in a 1935 celebrity cocktail book titled "So Red the Nose, or Breath in the Afternoon." Hemingway's original instructions were: "Pour one jigger of absinthe into a Champagne flute. Add iced Champagne until it attains the proper opalescent milkiness. Drink three to five of these slowly."
Origin
Invented by Ernest Hemingway, likely in France or Spain during the 1920s or 1930s. The recipe was officially published in the United States in 1935.

Death in the Afternoon

The drink is primarily known as Death in the Afternoon, its original name. It is also frequently called the Hemingway Champagne or simply The Hemingway, in honor of its famous creator, Ernest Hemingway.
Original name
Death in the Afternoon
Alternative names
  • Hemingway Champagne
  • The Hemingway

Characteristics overview

The drink has a potent aroma of anise and herbs, with a dry, crisp, and bubbly texture. Its appearance is a unique opalescent cloudiness, and it leaves a long, clean herbal aftertaste.
Flavor
Herbal, Anise, Licorice, Crisp, Dry, Bubbly
Aroma
Anise, Fennel, Wormwood, Floral, Yeasty
Taste balance
Dry, Bitter, Herbal
Aftertaste
Long, Herbal, Clean
Fizziness
Effervescent, Sparkling
Color appearance
Opalescent, Cloudy, Milky-white, Pale green tint
Texture
Light, Bubbly, Crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a dry, highly carbonated, and strong alcoholic drink with a prominent herbal bitterness and minimal sweetness or fruitiness. Its flavor profile is dominated by the anise notes from the absinthe.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need two key ingredients for this classic: a good quality absinthe and a well-chilled brut Champagne or other dry sparkling wine.
  • Absinthe45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A high-quality blanche or verte absinthe is recommended.
  • Brut Champagne120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Must be well-chilled. Dry Cava or Prosecco can be substituted.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

No special mixing equipment is needed beyond a jigger to measure the absinthe accurately. The cocktail is built directly in the serving glass.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for precise pouring

Instructions

To prepare, simply pour absinthe into a chilled Champagne flute and slowly top it with Champagne to create its signature cloudy appearance. The drink is served immediately without ice or garnish.
1. Chill a Champagne flute or coupe glass thoroughly in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Pour the measured absinthe into the chilled glass.
3. Slowly and gently top with the chilled brut Champagne.
4. Observe the "louche" effect as the absinthe turns cloudy and opalescent upon contact with the Champagne.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.

Garnishing

Traditionally, this cocktail is served without a garnish to appreciate its unique opalescent appearance. A lemon twist can be expressed over the top for a modern touch.
  • None is traditional. A lemon twist can be expressed over the glass for extra aroma.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is also suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie and low-sugar cocktail, as both absinthe and brut Champagne contain minimal sugar. Exact values depend on the specific brands used.
Calories
approximately 150-200 kcal / 627-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
approximately 2-4 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
approximately 1-3 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This elegant and potent cocktail is perfect for celebratory toasts, such as New Year's Eve or other special occasions. Its literary connection also makes it a superb choice for themed parties or a sophisticated aperitif.
  • Celebration
  • New Year's Eve
  • Special Occasion
  • Literary Themed Party

Pairing suggestions

The drink's dry, herbal profile pairs beautifully with briny oysters or other light seafood appetizers. It can also cut through the richness of charcuterie boards and creamy, strong cheeses, acting as a palate cleanser.
  • Oysters
  • Rich Cheeses
  • Charcuterie
  • Light Seafood Appetizers

Death in the Afternoon: Hemingway's Legendary Champagne Cocktail

The Death in the Afternoon is a legendary cocktail with a formidable reputation, created by author Ernest Hemingway. It consists of just two ingredients, absinthe and Champagne, which combine to create a visually striking, opalescent drink. The flavor is intensely herbal and dry, with the anise of the absinthe dominating the crisp bubbles of the Champagne. It's a bold, sophisticated drink for the adventurous palate, steeped in literary history.

Similar Cocktails

Sazerac

A classic whiskey or cognac cocktail that uses an absinthe rinse in the glass, providing a similar herbal aroma but with a stirred, spirit-forward base.

Champagne Cocktail

A classic made with a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, and Champagne, topped with a brandy float. It lacks the intense anise flavor of absinthe.

Black Velvet

A two-ingredient layered drink made with stout (like Guinness) and Champagne. It shares the simplicity but has a dark, malty, and roasted flavor profile instead of herbal.

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