Newport Water Recipe

Chill glass

Place a lowball/Old Fashioned glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to chill the glass.

Combine spirits and modifiers

In a mixing glass add 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, and 0.25 oz elderflower liqueur.

Add bitters and ice

Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass, then fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice (enough to chill and dilute properly).

Stir to chill

Stir the mixture briskly for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full strokes) until well chilled and slightly diluted — the glass should feel very cold.

Prepare serving glass

Discard the ice water from the chilled lowball glass (if used) and add one large ice cube or an ice sphere to the glass.

Strain and top

Double-strain the stirred cocktail into the prepared glass over the large ice cube. Top with about 1.5 oz club soda to add a bright effervescence; pour gently to preserve carbonation.

Garnish and finish

Express a lemon twist over the drink by squeezing the peel to release oils, rub the rim with the twist, and drop it into the glass. Optionally slap a mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and place it as a garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust sweetness by varying simple syrup by ±0.25 oz. Use a quality bourbon for depth; elderflower liqueur should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering floral notes.