Sunny's Star-tini (up) Recipe

Prepare and chill glass

Place a coupe or martini (up) glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink is served very cold.

Dry shake (if using egg white)

If using egg white for a silky foam, add vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, simple syrup, egg white, and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker. Do not add ice yet. Dry shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create foam.

Wet shake

Add the ice to the shaker (about 4 cubes). Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold to the touch and the outside has some frost. If you did not use egg white, skip the dry shake and combine all liquid ingredients with ice, then shake 12–15 seconds.

Double-strain and serve

Discard the ice or water from the chilled glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe/martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards and any large foam bubbles for a silky texture.

Finish with bitters & zest

If desired, add one small drop of orange bitters on top of the foam and use a toothpick to create a tiny starburst pattern. Lightly grate a little lemon zest over the surface for aroma (about 1/4 tsp).

Carefully place the candied lemon wheel or a thin lemon twist on the rim or floated on top. Top with the edible gold star or a small star-shaped piece of citrus peel centered on the foam to create the "star" motif. Serve immediately while cold and foamy.