The Double Cross
Continuing the theme, we can up the ante on “The Only” William Schmidt’s Southern Cross cocktail as well. We’ll swap out the base spirit of white rum for something quite a bit bolder and funkier, some Smith and Cross Jamaican rum. This distinctive rum, which has a dark caramel color from molasses, is made from some very unique pot stills and dates back to 1788. It is presented at “Navy Strength”, which is 57% alcohol by volume (114 Proof). Navy strength was the minimum percentage of alcohol needed to still be able to ignite gunpowder if it were to be soaked in the spirit (sailors of old could never be too careful). It’s also how we got the term “proof” – as in, this rum ration better not be diluted – let’s soak it in gunpowder, ignite it, and see the proof. It became the standard concentration for rum in the British Royal Navy, back when daily rum was good for soldiers.
The Double Cross, adapted from William Schmidt
Jamaican rum is also often fermented with wild yeast, which can add an odd, strong flavor (let’s just call it “funky”). Now we’ve got Smith and Cross in our Southern Cross – it’s a double cross. In case you missed it. If that wasn’t enough (it was, truly) I’ve swapped out the classic brandy for an intense apricot “rakia” brandy, of which I’m particularly fond. So double cross your fingers and hope you get to try one of the Southern Cross versions for yourself someday soon. I’m sailing on into the sunset now, my destination a puzzle, but I’ll see you here next time on our next journey, and leave you with another soulful sailor’s song, this time from Van Morrison: “Hark, now hear the sailors cry, smell the sea, and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly, into the mystic.” Cheers!
Don't be cross if you're seeing double ...
The Double Cross (adapted from William Schmidt circa 1891):
1 ½ oz Smith and Cross Jamaican rum
½ oz apricot brandy
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz demerera syrup
1 barspoonful orange curacao
Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.