- Mixology -

I was conflicted on entering this round of MxMo in two ways. First, I am in the midst of a cross-country move, and arguably could use my time more wisely. Second, the cocktail I wish to enter could, also arguably, be disqualified on a technicality. The first argument lost strength in the wake of the thoughtful, nourishing glass of wine (or two) that accompanied dinner. The second, well, while Anna requires cocktails mixed with "a sweet alcoholic beverage infused with fruits or fruit flavours," which rules out kirsch, my entrant's star player (it's completely dry), she later lists kirsch as an example of such, which rules it right back in, even if she maybe meant maraschino. In short: count me in.

This cocktail is the result of several evenings of intense mixological experimentation, over the course of the past month. I bought a premium kirsch for my last entrant, the Singapore Strait Jacket, and was so impressed with its potential that I sought out more kirsch-based cocktails to sample. The pickin's, as they say in my soon-to-be home state of KY, were slim. This led to my aforementioned experimentation and, ultimately, to this delightful, roguishly dry cocktail.

The Black Forest Epistle

• 1½ oz Gin
• 1 oz Kirsch
• 1 tsp Frangelico
• ¼ tsp Absinthe

Stir with ice, strain into cocktail glass, garnish with nothing.

I initially arrived at the above sans absinthe (which you can substitute with pastis, if you must), and it was very promising, but needed flavor marriage. I turned to the traditional tool for the job, bitters, but none gave the cocktail that perfect balance found in all the greats. Then, on a lark, I tried a dash of absinthe, and, in green fairy style, magic ensued.

I am prepared to claim this as a great cocktail. Also, fairly unique for its focus on kirsch. I fervently hope you'll give it a try and post your feedback! Don't do it for me; do it for yourself.