rye - brandy - benedictine - demerara sugar - bitters - absinthe - mineral water

Carousel Horse

Chill a rocks glass briefly by filling with ice and cold water while you assemble the cocktail. Discard ice and water before use.

Prepare glass

Pour 0.25 oz absinthe into the chilled rocks glass, swirl to coat the interior thoroughly (including sides), then discard any excess (you can either pour out or leave a thin coating). Set the glass aside.

Absinthe rinse

In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.5 oz brandy, 0.25 oz Bénédictine, 0.25 oz demerara sugar syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Fill the mixing glass with large, fresh ice and stir gently for about 25–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted (mixing glass should frost lightly).

Build and stir

Discard the water and excess absinthe from the chilled rocks glass if you haven't already. Add a single large ice cube to the rinsed glass. Double-strain the stirred cocktail into the prepared glass over the large ice cube.

Strain

Float 1 oz chilled mineral water gently down the side of the glass to give a light effervescence and to 'lift' the cocktail. Express the oils of an orange peel over the surface, then rub the peel around the rim and either drop it in or rest a dehydrated orange wheel on the edge as garnish.

Top & garnish

Serve immediately. The absinthe rinse will lend anise-high notes that combine with the herbal Bénédictine and rich rye; the mineral water adds a bright lift and softens the finish.