Finding Hemingway at the Ritz

You won’t actually find Ernest Hemingway (or his ghost) sitting at the Paris bar that bears his name, but you will find a place with lots of history.

Hemingway Bar is tucked away in a corner inside of The Ritz Hotel. The first thing that will surprise you when you enter is its size. One would expect a large bar where the famed writer could have sat off in a corner, but nothing could be further from the truth. It actually only has seating for about two dozen, and many times that number will try to get those famed seats.

Try a Hemingway Bar original: The Ritztini

Forbes Magazine named Hemingway’s the Best Bar in the World in 2001, and it’s not just because of the history or the comfortable leather armchairs. Colin Field is the head bartender who made this place worth a stop for the drinks since he took the helm in 1996. He’s created with a set of original, albeit expensive, cocktails. Among them, a few stand out and cannot be missed:

Serendipity
Serendipity is the bar’s most popular drink and contains Calvados Pays d’Auge le Compte (apple brandy), apple juice, champagne and a bit of sugar.

Highland Cream
This is the bar’s version of homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream made from Scotch whisky, coffee liqueur and cream.

The Ritzini
This martini is made of fresh ginger root and Absolut Vodka, which had gone through a three month maturation so the flavors are infused.

If you want to keep it simple, many say that you can get the best martini you’ve ever had at the Hemingway Bar. Before you have to make up your mind,
though, you will be handed a large menu that looks like an old newspaper, but tells you all about the history of the drinks and the location.

The Hemingway Bar at The Ritz in Paris is open every night of the week. It has a very limited snack menu so plan to just go for drinks before or after dinner. Casual, but elegant, attire is recommended.

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• Finding Hemingway at the Ritz