Ultra Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the final drink is well chilled.

Combine base ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz vodka, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup.

Add ice and shake

Fill the shaker with about 6 large ice cubes. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold and the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.

Prepare glass and strain

Discard the ice or water from the chilled glass. Using a fine or standard cocktail strainer, double-strain the shaken mixture into the chilled coupe or martini glass to remove ice shards and tiny pulp bits from the lemon juice.

Top with sparkling wine

Gently pour 2 oz chilled champagne or dry sparkling wine into the glass on top of the strained cocktail. Pour slowly so the bubbles integrate without overflowing.

Garnish and serve

Express a lemon twist over the drink to release oils, then optionally add an edible flower or a small mint sprig. Serve immediately while effervescent and cold.