Sometime in the early part of 2014 I worked at a pretty swanky fine dining venue in Midtown East of Nyc as a barman. That's where I met fellow mixologist Nich Madl from Kansas City. One day he leans over and said to me, did you ever try a negroni with Cruzan Black Strap Rum? No, I exclaimed! What's it like I asked? He said well let's try one. I'm like sure lets! From there we went into a little R & D session and he made one. I was truly astonished at how beautifully full flavored, and balanced this variation on the classic Negroni was. The Black Strap Rum adds wonderful notes of refined molasses and really calms and takes control of the Campari's bitterness and just lingered and lingered on my palate. The Blackstrap Negroni has a wonderful balance! Since that time on, I have been completely hooked on the Black Strap Negroni and it has become a go to cocktail I request when I go out to my favorite cocktail bars. Cheers Nich and great cocktail!

Ingredients:

1oz Cruzan Black Strap Rum

1oz Campari

1oz Punt e Mes Sweet Vermouth

Prep: Stir in your favorite mixing glass with ice. If possible strain over and nice new block of ice and garnish as with a orange twist or wedge. Cheers!

Drink designed and created by Mixologist Nich Madl of Kansas City

Photo'd and styled by Mixologist Jason Walsh of Nyc