Embrace the bold fusion of Southern charm and mysterious anise notes in this innovative cocktail. "Midnight in Kentucky" is a sophisticated drink that blends the warmth of bourbon with the intriguing taste of licorice, perfect for a nightcap under the stars.

**Ingredients:**
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 0.5 oz Black Licorice Liqueur (such as Sambuca or a licorice-infused simple syrup)
- 0.25 oz Fernet-Branca (for a herbal twist)
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water to create a smooth mixture)
- 1 Dash of Peychaud's Bitters
- Licorice root stick (for garnish)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)

**Instructions:**
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, black licorice liqueur, Fernet-Branca, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled Old Fashioned glass filled with a large ice cube.
4. Add a dash of Peychaud's Bitters on top of the drink.
5. Garnish with a licorice root stick and a twist of lemon over the glass to express the oils, then drop it in.

**Glass:**
Serve in an Old Fashioned glass to maintain the classic feel while also giving the drinker a close-up of the drink's deep and inviting color. 

The contrasting flavors of "Midnight in Kentucky" create a memorable and intriguing cocktail experience that pays homage to the rich tradition of bourbon while inviting the palate to explore the less-trodden path of licorice in mixology.