Demure & Alure Recipe

Combine base spirits

Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice and cold water. In a mixing glass add 2 tbs gin, 1 tbs elderflower liqueur, 0.5 tbs dry vermouth.

Add citrus and sweetener

Add 0.75 tbs fresh lemon juice and 0.5 tsp simple syrup to the mixing glass. These balance the floral notes and brighten the drink.

Add bitters and ice

Add 1 tsp orange bitters, then fill the mixing glass with ice to the top so the drink chills quickly without over‑diluting.

Stir to chill and dilute

Stir the mixture for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full rotations) until the outside of the mixing glass feels well chilled and slightly frosted. This cools and dilutes the cocktail to proper strength.

Prepare the glass

Discard the ice and water from the chilled serving glass and, if desired, briefly run a lemon twist around the rim to impart aroma.

Fine strain and top

Using a julep or fine strainer, double‑strain the stirred cocktail into the chilled glass to remove small ice shards and any pulp. Immediately top with 2 tbs chilled sparkling wine to give a delicate effervescence.

Garnish and serve

Express a lemon twist over the surface to release oils, rim the glass with the twist, then drop it in. Slap the mint sprig lightly between your palms to release aroma and place it on the surface as a garnish. Serve immediately.