Midnight Mystic

The Midnight Mystic is a cocktail that echoes the enigmatic allure of a night that holds a thousand secrets. It begins with a dark rye whiskey base, enriched by the herbal complexity of Benedictine and the sweet, deep notes of caramel liqueur. A hint of sarsaparilla bitters adds an intriguing layer of flavor, reminiscent of shadowy forest paths under the moonlight, while an absinthe rinse provides a whisper of mystery that lingers with every sip. This cocktail is a tribute to the allure of the unknown, a drink that promises to unfold its secrets with each taste. **Ingredients:** - 2 oz dark rye whiskey - 1/2 oz Benedictine - 1/2 oz caramel liqueur - 2 dashes sarsaparilla bitters - Absinthe for rinse - Optional: A strip of orange zest for garnish **Instructions:** 1. Start by rinsing a chilled coupe glass with absinthe. Pour a small amount of absinthe into the glass, swirl it around to coat the inside, and then discard the excess. 2. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the dark rye whiskey, Benedictine, and caramel liqueur. 3. Add two dashes of sarsaparilla bitters. 4. Stir the mixture until well-chilled. 5. Strain the cocktail into the absinthe-rinsed coupe glass. 6. If desired, express the oils of an orange zest over the drink and then rim the glass with it before placing it in the cocktail as garnish. **Glass:** - Coupe The Midnight Mystic is a cocktail that invites you on a journey into the night, blending sweetness, herbal notes, and a hint of mystery to delight the senses and stir the imagination.