The story of the East India Negroni

It was invented by Jim Meehan from the PDT Bar in New York in 2009, when the PDT (Please don’t tell) was still under Meehan’s management. His aim was to create a rum drink that had no Tiki influence. The Negroni twist: Meehan swapped the gin for rum and the vermouth for a sweet sherry. The Campari remains.
His decision to use Banks 5 Years Rum is no surprise. As Brand Ambassador at Banks Rum, he was involved in the development of Banks 5 Years Rum. The East India Negroni is therefore a signature serve, even if the name refers to the sherry and not the rum. 

Which rum for the East India Negroni?

The original recipe calls for Banks 5 Years Rum. Alternatively, Meehan recommends slightly matured English-style rums such as Mount Gay or Appleton Estate. Unfortunately, my rum rack doesn’t have the Banks 5 Years and I honestly don’t like Jamaicans like Appleton Estate in the East India Negroni.

I immediately think of another spirit made from molasses that goes well with Campari and sherry. The choice falls on the Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 Years, in the Spanish style. I love the creamy softness of Matusalem in the East India Negroni. A recommendation!

However, if you prefer white rum, I would chose the Compagnie des Indes Tricorne. I also really like it here.

About Lustau East India Sherry

Sherry is a fortified wine from Spain that is produced in many different styles, ranging from light and dry to dark and sweet. In the 1600s, sherry was a popular import to Britain and the British Company took barrels of sherry on trading expeditions to the East Indies in Asia. They discovered that the maturation on the journey and also the climate helped to improve the taste of the sherry. The „East India Sherry“ produced after the expedition became a popular and appreciated style.
For this reason, Lustau East India Solera Sherry is produced in line with this historic style. The already matured sherry is blended and further matured in a particularly hot and humid environment, resulting in a tasty product.

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