As written, I found the spec too sweet, so I made my own "black" variation inspired by the Black Manhattan. Following Simon's lead of naming his variation after the place of invention, I'm calling it the Barbican Minute:
2oz reposado tequila (I used Don Julio)
2/3oz Averna
1/4oz maraschino liqueur (I used Maraska)
8 drops Bob's Margarita Bitters
Stir, serve in an old fashioned glass with a big cube. Express orange peel over top and discard. Garnish with three coffee beans (they sit nicely on top of the big cube!).
Further experimentation has led to the Dry Barbican Minute 🤣
1.75 oz reposado tequila (Don Julio again)
1/3 oz dry vermouth (I used Cocchi Extra Dry)
1/3 oz Carpano Antica Formula
0.25 oz maraschino (Maraska again)
7 drops Bob’s Margarita Bitters
3 drops saline solution
Stir, serve over a big cube. Garnish per the original.
I find that this serve nicely preserves the agave character in the reposado.
2oz reposado tequila (I used Don Julio)
2/3oz Averna
1/4oz maraschino liqueur (I used Maraska)
8 drops Bob's Margarita Bitters
Stir, serve in an old fashioned glass with a big cube. Express orange peel over top and discard. Garnish with three coffee beans (they sit nicely on top of the big cube!).