The Troy Monson

Bring sugar, fennel seeds, and ¼ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high. Reduce heat to low and simmer, swirling occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, about 4 minutes. Let cool, then strain into a small bowl; discard solids.

For each cocktail, combine 2 oz. vodka, 1½ oz. blood orange juice, 1 oz. lemon juice, and ½ oz. reserved fennel syrup in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with cracked ice and garnish with 1 fennel slice.