"I was mightily refreshed by the beverage; as much so as a giant with wine: it gave new tone to my unstrung nerves..." Jane Eyre

With all due respect to Papa Hem, I am sure he would understand that my first post of a set of Key West adventures is going to begin with beverages and not the amazing sites seen (those to come later on this week once more photos are developed).

With all due respect to my papa, there was not an excessive amount of drinking on this trip! However, this did not stop us from enjoying drinks in moderation, though I certainly got tipsy twice at Sloppy Joe's (Hem's watering hole). Besides which, it was so hot that most of the liquid we drank was H2O!

Ironically, no Hemingway Cocktails were served anywhere! According to a book my father purchased for me at the Hemingway House, entitled Ernest Hemingway in Key West, Hemingway's favorite cocktail consisted of Cuban rum with fresh lime, grapefruit, and maraschino juice. It was known as a PAPA DOBLE: 2 ounces of white rum, 1/4 ounce of maraschino liquor, juice of half a lime, 1 ounce of grapefruit juice; add all ingredients into a shaker and shake with ice, then serve in a frosted cocktail glass.

Of course MARGARITAS were served in abundance at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. Both my father and I enjoyed them on the rocks (see photo above) and they had a perfect amount of salt on the rim (meaning there was a ton!).

We hit Sloppy Joe's on two afternoons; my father and I just loved the aura of Hemingway's old hangout. The first afternoon there, I took a risk and tried the KEY WEST SUNSET ALE. Although the beer is no longer brewed in Key West, but rather on mainland in Florida, that did not take away from its amazingly delicious flavor. I had two on the first visit (see photo above) and two on the second. I normally prefer wheatbeers to ales, but this was perfectly smooth and refreshing. Needless to say, these were the two occasions in Key West where Papa Hem would have been proud of the "state" I was in afterwards as I walked down Duval Street.

Another beer I enjoyed was at lunch at Cheeseburger on Duval. It was a beer brewed especially for the restaurant called ALOHA SPIRIT BLOND ALE. It was heavy on the palate, but was very smooth and complimented the meal perfectly.

Another delicious drink we tasted was at Alonzo's Oyster Bar. It was the ALONZO LEMONADE, consisting of pink lemonade, contreau, and fresh lime juice.

I was able to taste some delicious glasses of WHITE WINE as well, including a very nice South African sauvignon blanc at Seven Fish.

Still, what was always better than the actual beverage were the toasts my father and I made with them. Many were to Hemingway, some were to the actual trip, and one was to Key West itself.

I think one day this summer is going to be dubbed PAPA DOBLE DAY, where everyone has to make and enjoy the cocktail! Papa's birthday was JULY 21, so I am thinking this should be the day! If you are unable to participate, don't fret; I shall have one for you in spirit. Marachino liquor is hard to come by sometimes, so keep your eyes peeled. You can also order some here:
http://en.luxardo.it/eng/products/our_specialities/liqueurs/maraschino