Kingston Negroni

Name: Kingston Negroni
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 Oz Campari; 1 Oz 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso; 1 Oz Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Jamaica Rum; Ice; Orange slice and pineapple frond to garnish

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PREP TIME 5 min

Cocktail Type

Campari

Great for

Beach Party

Difficulty

Easy

JUMP TO RECIPE

The Kingston Negroni, also known as the Jamaican Negroni, is everything you know and love about the classic, but with added island flair and flavor. It was first poured in 2009 at the legendary Death & Co. by barman, Joaquín Simó. His idea was a playful take on the classic Negroni formula, replacing the gin with overproof Jamaican rum. Like all Negroni riffs, one simple change created a new and complex cocktail.

The fruit and funk of the rum collides with bittersweet citrus, spice and wooded notes of Campari and vermouth. The result is a massively fruit layered Negroni that feels like a tropical storm has passed through it. It’s a cocktail that’s both familiar to Negroni fans and daringly unique.

QUICK TIPS

Chill your glasses for at least 30 minutes before serving

Add a pineapple garnish for extra tropical flair.

For extra orange flavor, rub the peel around the rim of the glass before serving.

INGREDIENTS

Classic color illustration of a Jamaican Negroni

MAKE FOR

1 Person

1 Oz

30 Ml

1 Parts

Campari

1 Oz

30 Ml

1 Parts

1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso

1 Oz

30 Ml

1 Parts

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Jamaica Rum

Ice

Orange slice and pineapple frond to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice, and stir well for at least 30 seconds

Strain into a chilled rocks glass with ice

Garnish with an orange slice and serve

The Kingston Negroni: A tropical twist on a classic

The Kingston Negroni isn’t just a cocktail; it’s an adventure in a glass. Imagine the classic Negroni’s sophistication meeting the vibrant and bold character of the Caribbean. This drink brings a burst of island charm with every sip, thanks to its unique twist of Jamaican rum. It’s a great way to elevate your cocktail game and explore new flavor dimensions while still enjoying the timeless appeal of the original Negroni.

Also see: Negroni Variations (Unique Recipes to Try at Home)

Can I use a different rum for the Kingston Negroni?

While Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve is a standout choice for this cocktail due to its depth and complexity, you can experiment with other high-quality Jamaican rums if you prefer. Brands like Wray & Nephew also offer robust profiles that can bring their own unique notes to the Kingston Negroni. Just make sure the rum you choose has a bold flavor to complement the Campari and vermouth.

More inspiration: 12 Summer Rum Cocktails Perfect for a BBQ at Home

Pairing suggestions for your Kingston Negroni

This cocktail pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, thanks to its dynamic flavors. Try it alongside a jerk chicken platter for a true taste of the Caribbean. Its bold, spiced profile also goes great with smoky BBQ ribs or even a zesty seafood dish like ceviche. The combination of citrus and rum makes it a versatile choice for different kinds of meals.

Tips for making the perfect Kingston Negroni

Chill your glass: Make sure your rocks glass is well-chilled before you strain the cocktail into it. This helps maintain the drink’s ideal temperature and ensures that the ice doesn’t dilute it too quickly.
Stir, don’t shake: For the best texture, stir the cocktail gently but thoroughly. This method blends the ingredients well while keeping the cocktail smooth and clear.
Garnish with style: The orange slice and pineapple frond are not just for show. They add a subtle aroma and hint of flavor that enhances the overall drinking experience.

What to Mix With Rum: Ultimate List of 2-Ingredient Rum Drinks

More cocktails to explore if you enjoy the Kingston Negroni

Mai Tai: A classic tiki drink with a rich combination of rum and tropical flavors.
Rum Old Fashioned: The age-old classic is given an island-style twist.
Zombie: A bold and fruity rum-based cocktail with an intense flavor profile, perfect for adventurous drinkers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The primary difference lies in the base spirit. The Kingston Negroni replaces gin with Jamaican rum, giving it a distinctive island twist. This change transforms the flavor profile, introducing rich, tropical notes alongside the bittersweet components of Campari and vermouth.

While it’s best enjoyed freshly made, you can prepare the cocktail mix in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add ice and garnish right before serving to preserve the drink's crispness and flavor.

If you prefer a lighter cocktail, you can adjust the amount of rum used in the recipe. Start with 3/4 oz of rum and taste it before adding more, as this will allow you to control the strength while still keeping the essence of the Kingston Negroni intact.