Combine equal parts honey and warm water (e.g., 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup warm water). Stir until honey fully dissolves. Cool to room temperature before using.

Dry shake (if using egg white)

If using egg white for a silky foam, add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, honey simple syrup, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice. Seal and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds to emulsify and build foam.

Wet shake

Add ice to the shaker (after the dry shake if using egg white). Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass using a fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards and produce a smooth texture (if egg white used, this gives a silky surface).

Garnish & Finish

Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding the twist over the glass and giving it a quick snap, then rub the twist along the rim and drop it into the drink.

Optionally float an edible elderflower or a small edible bloom on the foam for an elegant presentation.

Serve immediately. Recommend serving chilled without ice in the glass.