Rum and Reverie

Hemingway’s Havana Haunts

When in Havana, two legendary watering holes are a must: La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita. These aren’t just bars—they’re slices of Cuban history, where the air is thick with stories of Ernest Hemingway and the cocktails he made famous. Immortalised with this famous Papa Hemingway quote, “My mojito in the Bodeguita del Medio and my daiquiri in the Floridita.”

La Bodeguita del Medio

First stop, La Bodeguita del Medio, the birthplace of the Mojito. Imagine Hemingway, pen in one hand and Mojito in the other, waxing poetic in this bustling tavern. Established in 1942, this bar has charm in spades. The walls are covered in graffiti and framed photographs, a testament to the countless visitors who’ve scribbled their names alongside Hemingway’s. Don’t miss the chance to sip a classic Mojito, made with white rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar, and a splash of soda—just as Papa liked it.

What to Do:

Sip a Mojito: Obviously. And savor every minty, limey sip.
Leave Your Mark: Grab a pen and add your name to the walls.
Live Music: Enjoy the lively Cuban music that often fills the air.

El Floridita

Next, head to El Floridita, the cradle of the Daiquiri and Hemingway’s second home. This bar, dating back to 1817, exudes old-world glamour with its red leather seats and art deco decor. Hemingway’s bronze statue even leans against the bar, eternally waiting for his next drink. The bartenders here are masters of their craft, blending Daiquiris with the precision of alchemists. Named for Hemingway himself, the Papa Doble was a potent double Daiquiri with no sugar and extra rum.

Little Known Fact

Old Ernest suffered from a rare disease called hemochromatosis an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years which left untreated can lead to diabetes or liver failure. A committed alcoholic, the sugarless Daiquiri was essentially a health tonic in his eyes.

What to Do:

Order a Daiquiri: Go for the classic or the Papa Doble if and connect.
Pose with Hemingway: Snap a selfie with his bronze likeness.
Explore the Menu: Branch out and try other rum-based concoctions and compare notes.

The Hemingway Challenge

Get in touch with your inner Hemingway and follow in his famous footsteps. Start with a Mojito or 3 at La Bodeguita del Medio and follow it with a Daiquiri or some at El Floridita. It’s a deliciously boozy way to walk in the footsteps of a literary giant and experience Havana’s vibrant bar scene.

Be you a rum aficionado or a literary buff, these Havana hotspots offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and top-notch cocktails.

Had your own rum-soaked adventure in Havana? Whether you sipped a Mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio, toasted with a Daiquiri at El Floridita, or followed the ghost of Hemingway through the city’s vibrant streets, we want to hear your tales! Pen your own masterpiece in the comments below and share your favorite Havana travel stories. Who knows? Your adventure might just be the next chapter in our rum diaries.