Marriage Material Recipe

Preparation

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Chill a coupe or martini glass by placing it in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. If you want a cinnamon edge, rub the rim with a cut lemon half, then dip the rim lightly into a small plate of fine ground cinnamon to coat.

2. 2

   Dry shake (if using egg white)

   Add citrus vodka, elderflower liqueur, Aperol, lemon juice, simple syrup, and the egg white (if using) into a cocktail shaker. Do not add ice. Dry-shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and build a silky foam.

3. 3

   Shake with ice

   Open the shaker, add a generous handful of ice (about 4–6 cubes). Add a dash of bitters. Seal and shake hard for 12–15 seconds until well chilled and the shaker is frosty.

4. 4

   Double-strain and serve

   Discard ice from the chilled glass if used. Double-strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe or martini glass to remove ice shards and ensure a smooth texture and foam.

5. 5

   Garnish and aromatics

   Place a single cinnamon stick across the rim or float it on top. Express a lemon twist over the drink (pinch to release the oils) and drop it in or rest it on the rim. Optionally, dust the surface very lightly with a pinch of ground cinnamon to add aroma and a hint of warmth.

6. 6

   Optional flame for aroma

   For a dramatic cinnamon aroma: hold the cinnamon stick with tongs, warm it briefly over a lighter or by a flame until it smolders slightly (do not burn vigorously), then immediately place it on the drink. Exercise caution with open flame around alcohol.