alley cat

2 oz Citadelle Gin (Tanqueray)
1/2 oz Benedictine
2 dash Orange Bitters (Regan's)

Stir with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an orange twist to mimic a cat's tail over the side of the glass.
Two Fridays ago, I reached for Frank Caiafa's The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book for a nightcap idea and spotted Frank's Alley Cat that was his riff on the Alaska for the 2005 reopening of Peacock Alley. With the structure of spirit, Benedictine, and bitters, the combination reminded me of Paul Harrington's Highlander. Once prepared, the Alley Cat swiped at the nose with an orange and pine aromas. Next, a dry yet rich sip hopped the fence to a juniper, herbal, orange, lemon, chocolate, and minty swallow.