gentlemen's exchange

1 1/2 oz Rye Whiskey (Rittenhouse)
3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth (Cocchi)
1/2 oz Suze Gentian Liqueur
1/2 oz Averna (*)
1 tsp Coffee Liqueur (Luxardo Espresso) (*)
3 dash Absinthe (24 drop St. George) (*)
2 dash Angostura Bitters

Stir with ice, strain into an old fashioned glass with a large ice cube, and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
(*) This adaptation was originally created and published with Foro Amaro, cold brew concentrate, and 4 dashes of absinthe. Two Mondays ago, I decided to make the Gentlemen's Exhange by Leo Robitschek at The NoMad Bar in Manhattan circa 2016. I had previously skipped over the recipe in The NoMad Cocktail Book which calls for Foro Amaro and cold brew concentrate which I do not have at home. The version in The Madrusan Cocktail Companion replaces the Foro Amaro and cold brew concentrate for Averna and coffee liqueur which made the drink more accessible. Indeed, Averna and gentian liqueur worked well together in the Southern Gentleman and the Zig Zag Wanderer, so I was ready to give it a go here. In the glass, the Gentlemen's Exchange showcased a grapefruit, rye, and gentian-herbal aroma. Next, grape and roast notes on the sip welcomed in rye, gentian-coffee bitterness, and anise flavors on the swallow.