Tangerine Dream Recipe

Prepare citrus

Juice fresh tangerines until you have about 3 oz (roughly 1 large or 2 small tangerines). Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds for a smooth cocktail.

Dry shake (if using egg white)

If using egg white for a silky froth, combine 3 oz strained tangerine juice, 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz triple sec, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup and 0.5 oz egg white in a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify and build foam.

Wet shake

Add 1 cup of ice to the shaker (after the dry shake if used). Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker exterior is very cold (this chills and dilutes the drink to the right level).

Strain

Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass using a Hawthorne/mesh strainer (or single fine strainer) to remove ice chips and any remaining solids. If not using egg white, you can skip the dry shake and simply shake once with ice and strain.

Finish with bitters (optional)

If you like aromatics, add 1–2 dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the foam (if present) and use a toothpick to create a small design or allow the bitters to sink for aroma.

Express the tangerine zest over the surface of the cocktail to release the oils: hold the zest about 3–4 inches above the drink and give it a firm twist, skin-side down. Run the zest around the rim of the glass, then drop a tangerine wheel or twist onto the edge or float it on the drink.