Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice, stir, strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Express orange peel and add to lip as garnish, add Luxardo cherry on pick.
I obtained the St. Raphael from London for historical cocktails, and liked its lush berry/grape flavor and color so much that I began incorporating into other drinks. I love the color that this provides with the Pasubio which has a potent musty blueberry essence. The rye provides a peppery backbone to balance the sweetness of the rest. (I am not particular about the rye chosen, so knock yourself out with your favorite.)
Color/appearance is dark, murky, slightly reddish and purplish brown.
I concocted this in August as a black Manhattan riff with loads of lush grape and berry flavor. I originally used just the orange garnish, and have added a dark Luxardo cherry since it fits so well with the motif and flavor.
I considered some Deep Purple references, but saved that for the Montreux, another Pasubio cocktail.