The Six Toed Cat

The Six Toed Cat is a sunny, tropical cocktail inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s Key West haunts and his legendary love of both rum and cats. This vibrant drink combines citrus, passion fruit, and subtle herbal notes, resulting in a lively, refreshing sipper that’ll transport you to the breezy porches of the Florida Keys.

5 minutesMedium1 serving
The Six Toed Cat
Featured
Ingredients
1 serving
  • White rum
    60 ml (2 oz)
    Choose a high-quality, smooth white rum.
  • Fresh lime juice
    25 ml (0.75 oz)
    Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
  • Passion fruit syrup
    25 ml (0.75 oz)
    Adds tropical sweetness; substitute with mango syrup if needed.
  • Cointreau (or triple sec)
    15 ml (0.5 oz)
    For a hint of orange.
  • Simple syrup
    10 ml (0.25 oz)
    Adjust to taste depending on your passion fruit syrup.
  • Angostura bitters
    2 dashes
    Optional, adds depth.
Tools Needed
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer
  • Citrus juicer
Instructions
  1. Chill a coupe or rocks glass by filling it with ice water.

  2. In your cocktail shaker, add the white rum, lime juice, passion fruit syrup, Cointreau, simple syrup, and bitters (if using).

  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

  4. Discard the ice water from your glass.

  5. Double strain the cocktail into the chilled glass to ensure a smooth pour.

  6. Garnish and serve immediately.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail
  • Tropical flavors that are both refreshing and complex.
  • A playful, literary-inspired story behind the name.
  • Balanced sweetness and tartness, making it easy to sip.
  • Visually striking, with vibrant colors and a whimsical garnish.
  • Perfect for Hemingway fans and cat lovers alike!
History & Origin

Named after the famously polydactyl (six-toed) cats that roam Hemingway’s Key West estate, The Six Toed Cat cocktail is a contemporary creation that pays homage to the author’s adventurous spirit. Hemingway was known to favor tart, rum-based drinks, and this cocktail mirrors that preference with modern twists. While not a Prohibition-era classic, The Six Toed Cat has quickly become a favorite at literary-themed bars and tropical lounges, delighting guests with its clever nod to Key West’s feline residents and its bright, punchy flavors.

Garnish

Garnish with a lime wheel and a playful orange twist fashioned into a ‘cat tail’—it’s whimsical, thematic, and adds a fresh citrus aroma with every sip.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 180 calories per serving. Contains alcohol, citrus juices, and natural sugars from the syrups.

Frequently Asked Questions

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