Kingston Negroni

Joaquín Simó's idea was simple and sharp: put Smith & Cross where the gin used to be and let Jamaican rum do the talking. It's the loudest of the base swaps. The rum drags ripe fruit, molasses, and that high funky ester note straight through the middle, with enough force to stand up to Campari and a rich vermouth rather than get swallowed. Still Negroni-shaped, only fuller, fruitier, and with more muscle than the original ever had. Overproof rum will flatten a delicate vermouth, so pick one that can take the hit.