Vital Signs

Rinse a martini glass with absinthe, coating the interior before discarding any excess.

Combine cognac, blended scotch, sweet vermouth, coffee liqueur, and Bigallet China-China (or Averna) in a mixing glass filled with ice.

Stir the mixture thoroughly until well-chilled.

Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass.

Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink, then discard the peel.