Hunter S. Thompson, the father of Gonzo journalism, was as renowned for his unconventional lifestyle as he was for his groundbreaking writing. His daily routine, as detailed by biographer E. Jean Carroll in Hunter: The Strange and Savage Life of Hunter S. Thompson, offers a vivid snapshot of a life lived on the edge.
Afternoon Awakening
Thompson’s day began in the afternoon, reflecting his nocturnal habits:
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3:00 p.m.: Rise and shine.
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3:05 p.m.: A glass of Chivas Regal accompanied by the morning papers and a Dunhill cigarette.
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3:45 p.m.: A line of cocaine to kickstart the day.
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4:05 p.m.: Another glass of Chivas and a Dunhill.
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4:15 p.m.: Coffee and another Dunhill.
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4:30 p.m.: A repeat of the earlier cocaine ritual.
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5:30 p.m.: More ice in the Chivas.
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5:45 p.m.: A dose of cannabis to take the edge off.
Midday Meal
Lunch was an event in itself:
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7:05 p.m.: A hearty meal at the Woody Creek Tavern, featuring Heineken, two margaritas, coleslaw, taco salad, double-order fried onion rings, carrot cake, ice cream, a bean fritter, another Heineken, cocaine, and a snow cone for the ride home—essentially a glass of shredded ice with Chivas poured over it.
Midday Meal
As the night deepened, so did Thompson’s indulgences:
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9:00 p.m.: Serious cocaine consumption began.
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10:00 p.m.: A dose of LSD.
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11:00 p.m.: Chartreuse, cocaine, and cannabis.
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12:00 a.m.: Writing commenced, accompanied by a mix of substances including Chartreuse, cocaine, cannabis, Chivas, coffee, Heineken, clove cigarettes, grapefruit, Dunhills, orange juice, gin, and continuous pornography.
Late-Night Rituals
Thompson’s late-night activities were equally unconventional:
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6:00 a.m.: A soak in the hot tub with champagne, Dove Bars, and fettuccine Alfredo.
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8:00 a.m.: A dose of Halcyon, a sedative.
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8:20 a.m.: Sleep.
This routine, as eccentric as it was, fueled Thompson’s creative genius and his larger-than-life persona. It serves as a testament to his commitment to living life on his own terms, regardless of societal norms.