Aristocrat Recipe

Measure and combine

Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink. Using a jigger, measure 2 oz gin, 0.75 oz dry vermouth, 0.5 oz orange curaçao, and 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker or a mixing glass.

Add sweetener and bitters

Add 0.25 oz simple syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixture in the shaker or mixing glass.

Shake or stir

If you prefer a brighter, slightly frothy texture, add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled. For a silkier, clearer drink, add ice and stir in a mixing glass for 20–30 seconds until the exterior is frosty. Both methods are acceptable; shaking will aerate and slightly dilute the cocktail.

Prepare glass

Dump the ice water from the chilled glass and briefly wipe it with a paper towel if necessary.

Strain

Using a strainer, double-strain (if shaken) or single-strain (if stirred) the cocktail into the chilled coupe or martini glass to remove ice shards and small pulp.

Finish and garnish

Express the oils of a lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding the twist over the glass and pinching it to release the citrus oils, then rub the peel on the rim and drop it into the drink. Optionally, drop a Luxardo cherry into the glass for an elegant touch.

Serve

Present immediately while chilled. The Aristocrat is best enjoyed within a few minutes so it remains cold and aromatic.