A clear spirit distilled from fresh cane juice and drunk with grapefruit soda — the CSR and Ting is effectively the national drink of Saint Kitts. It was developed in the 1980s with backing from the Rothschild family, using juice from the island’s own cane rather than molasses.
It is a commercial distillery’s branded spirit, and distilling without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into it
- fresh sugarcane juice
- yeast
- water
How it is made
Cane is crushed and the fresh juice fermented for a few days, then distilled in column stills to a light, clean spirit and filtered. It is bottled clear and unaged, and it is deliberately made to disappear into a mixer rather than to be sipped.
How long it takes: days to ferment and distil; no ageing
How it is eaten
Long with grapefruit soda and ice, which on Saint Kitts is simply a CSR and Ting.
History
Developed on Saint Kitts in the 1980s with backing from the Rothschild family, using juice from the island’s own sugar cane rather than molasses.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cane Spirit Rothschild?
Cane Spirit Rothschild is a wine & spirit from Saint Kitts and Nevis: clear spirit distilled from fresh cane juice, drunk with grapefruit soda. Developed on Saint Kitts in the 1980s with backing from the Rothschild family, using juice from the island’s own sugar cane rather than molasses.
How is Cane Spirit Rothschild made?
Cane is crushed and the fresh juice fermented for a few days, then distilled in column stills to a light, clean spirit and filtered. It is bottled clear and unaged, and it is deliberately made to disappear into a mixer rather than to be sipped. It takes days to ferment and distil; no ageing.
Can I make Cane Spirit Rothschild at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a commercial distillery’s branded spirit, and distilling without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into Cane Spirit Rothschild?
Fresh sugarcane juice, yeast, water.
How is Cane Spirit Rothschild eaten?
Long with grapefruit soda and ice, which on Saint Kitts is simply a CSR and Ting.
