Nelson's Blood No. 2

ABV 12.3% / 2.3 Alcoholic Units

Primary Spirit: Rum

A Brief History of a Nelson's Blood No. 2

The cocktail draws its name from Admiral Lord Nelson, one of Britain’s most celebrated naval heroes. After Nelson was killed in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, his body was preserved in a cask of brandy or rum to be transported back to England, giving rise to the term "Nelson's Blood." The original Nelson’s Blood cocktail uses rum as its base, but the No. 2 version adds more modern elements like citrus and spice, creating a more accessible yet still historically grounded drink.

Taste and Flavour Profile

Nelson's Blood No. 2 has a rich and layered flavour profile. The bold, caramel, and molasses notes from the rum are complemented by the tartness of fresh citrus. Spiced and herbal undertones, from bitters, add warmth and depth to the drink. The cocktail is sweet but balanced with a slightly bitter finish, giving it an adventurous and satisfying taste reminiscent of a stormy sea voyage.

Food Pairings

The bold and rich flavours of Nelson's Blood No. 2 pair well with hearty, flavourful dishes:

• Barbecue Ribs: The smoky, caramelised flavours of BBQ ribs pair beautifully with the rich molasses and spice in the cocktail.

• Jerk Chicken: Spicy jerk seasoning and the cocktail’s citrus and spice notes are a perfect match.

• Cheese Board: A selection of aged cheeses, particularly sharp cheddar or gouda, works well with the drink’s complex, sweet, and spiced profile.

• Dark Chocolate Desserts: The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the sweetness of the rum and the spice from the bitters.

Bar Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne strainer
• Highball glass
• Jigger

Ingredients

• 45ml Navy strength rum
• 45ml Cranberry juice
• 20ml Freshly squeezed orange juice
• 20ml Freshly squeezed lime juice
• 10ml Simple syrup*
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters  
• Ice
• Garnish - lime wedge 

Method

• Add all the ingredients into the shaker with a handful of ice and shake until cooled
• Strain into the highball glass filled with ice
• Garnish with a lime wheel (cherry and straw - optional!)

*Simple syrup - 1 part sugar to one part water. Gently heat in a pan until sugar has dissolved and allow to cool.

What's the best rum for a Nelson's Blood No. 2?

For a Nelson's Blood No. 2 cocktail, you'll want a Navy Strength Rum (typically around 57% ABV) that delivers bold flavours to stand up to the richness and complexity of the drink. Here are some of the best options:

• Pusser's Gunpowder Proof Rum: This rum is a classic Navy-style rum with rich flavours of molasses, dried fruit, and spice. Its strong, robust character makes it perfect for a Nelson’s Blood cocktail.

• Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaican Rum: Known for its intense funk, tropical fruit, and bold spice, this high-proof Jamaican rum adds complexity and depth to the cocktail.

• Plantation O.F.T.D. Overproof Rum: A blend of rums from Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana, this overproof rum offers rich caramel, banana, and spice flavours, giving the cocktail a well-rounded kick.

• Admiral Rodney Nelson's Blood Navy Rum: Specifically named after Admiral Nelson, this rum features dark, rich flavours with deep oak, caramel, and a hint of spice, making it a thematic and flavourful choice.

Each of these Navy-strength rums brings a robust, bold character, essential for balancing the tart citrus and spiced flavours in the Nelson's Blood No. 2.