The Midnight Earl

The Midnight Earl is a sweet, complex, modern cocktail that combines the robustness of dark rye with the unique flavors of blood orange Earl Grey tea and an intriguing absinthe rinse. Served in an old-fashioned glass, this drink takes you on a nocturnal journey with its deep flavors and aromatic appeal. **Ingredients:** - 2 oz Dark Rye Whiskey - 1 oz Blood Orange Earl Grey Tea (cooled) - 0.5 oz Averna Amaro - 0.25 oz Benedictine - 0.25 oz Simple Syrup - Dash of Orange Bitters - Dash of Peychaud's Bitters - Absinthe for rinse - Garnish: Thinly sliced blood orange wheel **Glass:** - Old-Fashioned Glass **Instructions:** 1. Begin by rinsing the old-fashioned glass with absinthe. Swirl the absinthe around the glass to coat the interior, then discard the excess. This creates a subtle anise aroma that sets the foundation for the drink. 2. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the dark rye whiskey, cooled blood orange Earl Grey tea, Averna Amaro, Benedictine, simple syrup, a dash of orange bitters, and a dash of Peychaud's bitters. 3. Stir the mixture until well chilled, usually about 20-30 seconds to properly dilute and integrate the flavors. 4. Strain the mixture into the absinthe-rinsed old-fashioned glass filled with a large ice cube for slow dilution. 5. Garnish with a thinly sliced blood orange wheel placed atop the drink to add a fresh, citrus aroma that complements the underlying complexity. 6. Serve immediately and enjoy the deep, multifaceted flavors of The Midnight Earl. The Midnight Earl offers a journey through darkness with a hint of light, combining the deep tones of dark rye and blood orange Earl Grey tea with the mystique of absinthe, all balanced by the bittersweet and herbal nuances of Averna Amaro and Benedictine. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a drink that tells a story with every sip.