constantine

2/3 Gin (2 oz Beefeater)
2 dash Sweet Vermouth (3/4 oz Cocchi)
1 dash Maraschino (1/4 oz Luxardo)
1 dash Absinthe (1 bsp Kübler)
2 dash Orange Bitters (Regan's)

Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
After work two Friday ago, I ventured into Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars: 1903-1933 to discover a quirky gem inside. There, I decided on the Constantine that read like a Martinez with absinthe or perhaps an Improved Sweet Martini. Being a big fan of the Martinez, I was game at trying this herbal variation. Once in the glass, the Constantine gave forth an anise aroma from the absinthe. Next, the vermouth's grape mingled with the Maraschino's light cherry on the sip, and the swallow imparted gin, herbal, and nutty flavors with an anise finish.