1 oz Virgin Islands Rum, Cruzan Blackstrap
3⁄4 oz Santa Maria al Monte
Instructions

Stir, strain, up.

Notes

The ratio may be 1 1/2 Smith & Cross and 1/2 Cruzan Blackstrap. Incredibly good. Firmly bitter, almost like lighting Smith & Cross on fire. Smoky and austere. Definitely a sipper, but completely impressive.

Cocktail summary
Created by
Brandon Wise, Imperial PDX
Year
2012
Is an
authentic recipe
Curator
4 stars
Average
4 stars
(2 ratings)
YieldsDrink
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  • Worth a try
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Comments
Dan commented on 9/01/2012:

Sub Amaro Nardini for Santa Maria al Monte? I have seen Santa Maria around Boston, but haven't picked up a bottle yet.


Dan,

I don't know - Brandon was pretty specific about the Santa Maria, to the point that I'm going to order some soon. I'm going to make this tonight subbing El Dorado 5 for the Cruzan and Luxardo Fernet for the Santa Maria, and we'll see. My guess is the amaro is the key to the drink.

Thanks,

Zach


I have a bottle of Santa Maria, and I think Nardini is significantly sweeter. I'd say Fernet Branca is closer, though it is heavier so I'd probably use a little less. I love Santa Maria.


Drinking my subbed version now. It's close, but the amaro is the key. Turns out that dal Capo seems like it's closer to Santa Maria al Monte than Luxardo Fernet, but it's just not bitter enough.

Thanks,

Zachary


bza commented on 9/02/2012:

Surprised El Dorado 5 made a good sub for Cruzan Blackstrap, I feel like that rum is as difficult to sub for as Smith and Cross is. I only have the ED 12 and 15 though, and they are mighty rich, so it makes sense.


Dan commented on 9/02/2012:

From this, I'm thinking:

  • If no Cruzan Blackstrap, sub a dark, molasses-heavy run and 1/2 tsp blackstrap molasses.
  • If no Santa Maria sub 1/2oz Nardini, del Capo, etc, plus 1/4 oz Fernet.

Not that I've tried either, but I will tonight.


Dan commented on 9/04/2012:

I made this as written, but with del Capo. I thought it was dominated by the Blackstrap, and not in a good way. If I were trying it again, I go 1 1/2 oz Smith & Cross and only 1/2 oz Cruzan Blackstrap. Good concept. Maybe I can find the correct amaro here in Boston.