Hand Of Vecna

Ingredients

• ½ ounce absinthe or Pernod
• 2 cubes or 2 teaspoons cane sugar
• 6 dashes angostura bitters
• 4 ounces blended scotch, preferably peated
• Roughly cracked or small ice cubes
• Large ice cubes, to serve
• Orange peel and star anise, for garnish

Equipment

• 2 Rocks or Old-Fashioned glasses

Instructions

1. Pour ¼ ounce of absinthe into each of two rocks glasses. Swirl to rinse, making sure to tilt them to reach the lip of the glass. Discard the excess and set the glasses aside (see Cook's Note on Necromancer).
2. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar into the angostura bitters to break down the sugar until they have reached a syrupy consistency, adding a few drops of water if needed. Add the scotch to the mixing glass and fill it halfway with ice. Using a long-handled spoon, stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds. Add the large cubes to the rocks glasses. Strain and divide the mixture evenly between the two glasses. Garnish with orange peel and star anise. Serve at once.