Stella Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or chilled wine glass in the freezer for 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the final drink stays cold.

Combine base ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of orange bitters.

Add ice and shake

Fill the shaker with ice (about 6 cubes). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well chilled (this both chills and slightly dilutes the mixture).

Strain

Discard the ice or water from your chilled glass. Double-strain the shaken mixture into the chilled coupe or wine glass using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards and any pulp.

Top with Stella Rosa

Carefully float or gently pour 2 oz of Stella Rosa (or another semi-sweet sparkling red wine) on top of the strained cocktail. Pour slowly down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon to preserve effervescence.

Garnish and serve

Express a lemon twist over the drink to release the oils, rim the glass with the twist, and drop it into the cocktail. Optionally slap a mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and place it on the rim. Serve immediately.