As a fisherman, boater, kayaker, surfer, reader, writer, cigar smoker and gun owner it would be hard for me not to like Ernest Hemingway - a man's man. We visit Key West on a regular basis and have trudged past his home many times, even smoked a nice Rodriguez cigar, handmade by Grandpa Rodriguez at the west end of Duval St.
The Recipe
2 oz. gin
4 oz. fresh coconut juice
juice of one lime
dash of Angostura bitters
Shake with ice and serve.
According to Beachbum Berry (credit) Hemingway created the Tomini at his Key West home, using coconuts and limes from his back yard. As it is, we are surrounded by coconut palms and fresh coconut juice and pulp is easy to come by. Store bought will not work, as it is usually sweetened.
As far as this Tomini is concerned we found it light and refreshing, but not particularly memorable. A bit of freshly grated nutmeg helped. We think it needs more coconut flavor, so we may try substituting unsweetened coconut milk.