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Just when you thought my cocktails couldn’t get any easier… enter the Death in the Afternoon. This cocktail is the definition of less is more, made with only two ingredients and ready in seconds. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—this drink is bold, mysterious, and unexpectedly smooth.
I was inspired to bring this one out for St. Patrick’s Day. (Hosting a party? You already know the Queen Bee of Mixology is showing up with something festive, fun, and just a little unexpected.)
And while this isn’t a classic Irish cocktail, the vibrant green hue from the absinthe makes it a perfect fit for your celebration line-up.
Let’s talk history for a minute.
Death in the Afternoon—yes, the name is a bit dramatic—was coined by none other than Ernest Hemingway, who not only inspired the drink but named it after his own 1935 novel.
This cocktail’s been around for decades, and while it might seem intimidating on paper (hello, absinthe), it’s actually incredibly easy to mix and surprisingly enjoyable to sip.
Here’s the build:
A splash of absinthe (start with just ¾ oz—you can always add more)
Topped with chilled champagne
That’s it. The absinthe brings an herbal, anise-forward flavor that’s floral, spicy, and just a little wild. A little goes a long way—but that’s where the crisp, bubbly champagne comes in to smooth things out.
The result is light, aromatic, and just bold enough to feel exciting.
The look alone is stunning: a luminous green glow, especially when the absinthe gently clouds under the bubbles. I like to give it a Queen Bee flourish with a pinch of edible gold flakes on top.
Trust me, the sparkle takes this minimal cocktail to max elegance, and it’s an easy way to impress guests without any extra effort.
Step 1: Pour absinthe directly into a coupe glass.
Step 2: Top off the mixture with champagne and garnish with edible gold flakes.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, brunch, or just want to shake up your usual sparkling wine routine, the Death in the Afternoon is the perfect conversation starter.
Smooth, spirit-forward, and undeniably stylish—it’s the kind of drink that reminds you why simple is often best.
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
