Kingston Negroni
The Kingston Negroni swaps gin for a full-flavored Jamaican pot still rum, creating a cocktail with incredible depth and complexity. The rum's characteristic "funk" of overripe tropical fruits beautifully complements the bitter orange notes of Campari and the herbal sweetness of vermouth. It's a powerful, spirit-forward drink that offers a tropical twist on a beloved Italian classic. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a Negroni but are looking for a more adventurous and aromatic experience.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Kingston Negroni is categorized as a Modern Classic cocktail. It is a direct variation of the classic Negroni, and like its predecessor, it is typically served as an aperitif.
Serving
Served cold in a rocks glass over a large ice cube, this is a strong, spirit-forward drink with an ABV around 30%.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
This modern classic was created in 2009 by Joaquín Simó while he was working at the influential New York City bar, Death & Co. Simó wanted to create a Negroni variation that could stand up to the bold flavors of the original. He found his answer in the funky, ester-rich profile of Smith & Cross, a Jamaican pot still rum, which provided the perfect backbone for the drink.
Origin
Created by Joaquín Simó in 2009 at Death & Co. in New York City, USA.
Kingston Negroni
The drink is almost exclusively known as the Kingston Negroni. Some might refer to it generically as a Rum Negroni, but this name is less specific and doesn't point to its modern classic status. The name "Kingston" directly references the capital of Jamaica, highlighting the essential use of Jamaican rum in the recipe.
Original name
Kingston Negroni
Alternative name
Rum Negroni
Characteristics overview
The Kingston Negroni boasts a bold, bittersweet flavor profile with pronounced notes of tropical fruit and orange from the Jamaican rum and Campari. It has a rich, silky texture and a long, warming, complex finish.
Flavor
Funky, bittersweet, herbal, fruity, orange peel, tropical fruit, molasses
Aroma
Tropical fruit, banana, pineapple, orange zest, herbal, spicy
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Long, warming, bitter, complex, funky
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep ruby red, clear
Texture
Silky, rich, viscous
Seasonality
Year-round, warming
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a flavor-intensive cocktail, dominated by bitterness from the Campari and funky fruitiness from the rum, balanced by a moderate sweetness. The alcohol strength is pronounced, making for a robust and complex sipper.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail is a simple equal-parts build of three key ingredients: funky Jamaican rum, Campari, and a high-quality sweet vermouth.
- Jamaican Rum30 ml / 1 ozThe original recipe specifically calls for Smith & Cross for its high ester count and overproof strength. Another funky Jamaican rum can be substituted.
- Campari30 ml / 1 ozA classic bitter Italian aperitif; there is no direct substitute for its unique flavor.
- Sweet Vermouth30 ml / 1 ozA quality Italian-style sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino is recommended for its depth and complexity.
Ice type
- Cubed ice for stirring, one large cube for serving
Mixing equipments
You will need a mixing glass, a bar spoon for stirring, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer to pour the drink.
- Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
- Bar spoon for stirring.
- Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) to pour the cocktail while retaining the mixing ice.
Instructions
Combine equal parts Jamaican rum, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice, stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.
1. Chill your Old Fashioned glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the Jamaican rum, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Add a large, fresh ice cube to your chilled serving glass.
6. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the serving glass over the large ice cube.
7. Take a swath of orange peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
Garnishing
The drink is traditionally garnished with a fresh orange peel, twisted over the glass to release its aromatic oils.
- Orange peel, expressed over the drink to release its oils, then dropped in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is alcoholic and generally considered free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
Per serving, this cocktail contains approximately 200-230 calories, with around 12-15 grams of carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the vermouth and Campari.
Calories
Averagely 200-230 kcal / 837-962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an excellent pre-dinner drink (aperitif) to stimulate the appetite. It's also sophisticated enough for a cocktail party or as a contemplative evening sipper for fans of spirit-forward cocktails.
- Aperitif
- Happy Hour
- Cocktail Party
- Evening Drink
Pairing suggestions
The drink's bold, bittersweet profile pairs well with salty and fatty foods like charcuterie, aged cheeses, and olives. Its Jamaican rum base also makes it a surprisingly good match for lightly spiced Caribbean fare, such as jerk chicken appetizers, or even a rich piece of dark chocolate.
- Charcuterie and hard cheeses
- Salted nuts and olives
- Jerk-spiced dishes
- Dark chocolate
The Kingston Negroni: A Funky, Tropical Twist on a Classic
The Kingston Negroni is a masterful modern take on a timeless classic, created by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co. By replacing the traditional gin with funky, overproof Jamaican rum, the cocktail gains a new dimension of tropical fruit and molasses notes. This creates a powerful interplay with the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth, resulting in a complex, spirit-forward sipper. It is a must-try for any Negroni lover or fan of bold, rum-based cocktails.
Similar Cocktails
Negroni
The original classic, which uses gin instead of Jamaican rum.
Boulevardier
Uses bourbon or rye whiskey instead of Jamaican rum.
White Negroni
A completely different flavor profile using gin, Suze (or other gentian liqueur), and Lillet Blanc.
Old Pal
A cousin to the Boulevardier, using rye whiskey, Campari, and dry vermouth.
Variations
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