This #FinallyRyeday cockail – a marriage of a Blood & Sand and a Sazerac – is an homage to the great science fiction novel DUNE.

Set on a desert planet plagued by bloodthirsty sand worms, the epic novel tells the story of Paul Atreides – the Kwisatz Haderac – a young man with mental powers capable of bridging space and time, and who had unquestionable powers of leadership among his people. Blood, sand, power, persuasion, and a bittersweet finish – this cocktail is an excellent accompaniment to the political space-drama DUNE. Sip responsibly. Cheers!

1 dash Peychaud’s bitters
1/4 oz Heering Cherry
1/2 oz Punt e Mes vermouth
2 oz WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey
Absinthe (for rinse)
Orange peel

Combine first four ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir. Rinse a heavy glass with good absinthe, and strain cocktail into glass.

Squeeze an orange peel with a bit of fruit attached over the glass to extract a nip of juice and fresh oil onto the surface of the cocktail. Submerge the peel into the glass.

Sip responsibly. Cheers!