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Wow that is really good. Just echoing what everyone else is saying about the nice balance of all the things!

Excellent - much softer mouthfeel than a martini (including it's distant relative the Queen Elizabeth), and a bit sweeter (but not syrupy or cloying, IMO). The Benedictine and absinthe are amazing together! I'm not sure if the Bolivar bitters are able to express in the cocktail flavors dominated by the Benedicting and absinthe, with a strong backbone of botanicals from the gin - but maybe they are there. I don't think the dry vermouth notes come through, but it is likely important in extending the drink and helping draw out the flavors from the other ingredients. Very nice - definite winner as a digestif, and I'd certainly enjoy one during a cocktail reception.

Approached this one with a touch of trepidation as the ingredients suggested this could head vaguely into Martini territory and I’m just not a Martini guy. However the Benedictine and absinthe help steer this back into my wheelhouse. Served with the requisite Hi de hi de ho, although I did use the Family Guy / Peter Griffin version…..

There is a distinct alchemy that takes place when Benedictine and absinthe merge in a cocktail and that magic happens here. Outstanding.

Another excellent drink. The descriptor of this as "spirit-forward and just on the rich side" is very apt. As I generally have a glass of port as my after dinner drink I, as is my custom, I drank this as my pre-dinner cocktail tonight and very much enjoyed it. While indeed rich, it worked well for me. My only suggestion for consideration as a fan of Absinthe, is that I increased the Absinthe which for me worked nicely.

Quite tasty.

I wish I'd seen the measurements in the Review section as the ones 'as written' are a touch fiddly.

The thing does sing

Delicate and beautifully balanced. Delicious!

I make a variation of this drink for my Halloween menu appropriately named "the Ghost of Smokey Joe." Same measurements but swap the gin for Rye and add a layer of Islay scotch over the top for a little smoke.

Very interesting cocktail, but I would stay with the original relations between gin, vermouth and Benedictine, especially when using Noilly Prat. It clearly got better when I put an ice cube in my Nick & Nora, so some more dilution might be good.

Dear god that is delicious! Any chance of a recipe that delivers a higher wash line? This isn’t enough, but doubling the quantities is too much.

Hi Simon! The Cotton Club was in the Harlem section of upper Manhattan, in NYC. In any event, it's going on the "to be tried" list!

I have no idea where to start to discuss this cocktail. It hits all my favourite flavour notes. Wonderfully herbal with just the right amount of sweetness to be perfect after dinner or in the evening. Did serve with the proper garnish!. Outstanding.

Great drink! 1st timer! The DOM & absinthe make it perfect ! I have to special order my Rutte Dry Gin in Minnesota ….but I can get it!!! Thanks Simon!

Very nice drink indeed. Thanks Simon. We’ll put Minnie into the set at our next gig.

Digging out the vinyl! Thanks Simon. Met you at a CLASS party many moons back.

And if I may ..... I just found this Merry Widow(er) ......

https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/1294/merry-widower

this looks amazingly like Merry Widow #1 ........

https://www.diffordsguide.com/el-gr/cocktails/recipe/1294/merry-widow-1

Unconnected I believe, except by name, the Betty Boop cartoon Minnie the Moocher was released 90 years ago tomorrow, February 26, 1932. Seems like as good a reason to try it as any!