Chopin Recipe

Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice and cold water; set aside while you build the cocktail.

If using whole lemons, juice and strain fresh lemon juice to remove pulp and seeds. Prepare a lemon twist by cutting a 1/2-inch wide strip of peel, avoiding white pith.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz vodka, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 0.25 oz Lillet Blanc, and 2 dashes orange bitters.

Add ice and shake

Add enough ice to nearly fill the shaker (about 1 cup). Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds, until the exterior of the shaker is frosty and well-chilled.

Prepare glass

Dump the ice and water from the chilled glass and quickly dry or leave slightly damp for a cooler presentation.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards and any pulp.

Express the lemon twist over the surface of the drink by holding it skin-side down and giving it a quick squeeze to release oils, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.

Serve immediately while cold. Enjoy the bright, silky vodka-forward Chopin.