Santa Margherita Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to chill.

Measure and pour

Add Aperol (1.5 oz), gin (1 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz), simple syrup (0.25 oz), and dry vermouth (0.5 oz) into a mixing glass or cocktail shaker.

Add bitters and ice

Add 2 dashes of orange bitters, then fill the mixing glass/shaker with plenty of ice (enough to chill and dilute properly).

Stir or shake

If you prefer a slightly silky, clearer cocktail, stir the mixture with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted. If you prefer a brighter, slightly frothier version, shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.

Prepare glass

Remove the chilled glass from the freezer or dump the ice water. If you used basil, gently slap the leaf between your palms to release aroma and set it aside for garnish.

Strain and serve

Double-strain (using a Hawthorne and fine mesh) into the chilled coupe or martini glass to remove any small ice shards and bits of basil if used. This yields a clean, elegant presentation.

Express the oils of the orange twist over the drink by holding the twist over the surface and giving it a quick squeeze, then rub the peel on the rim of the glass and drop it into the cocktail.

Float the lightly slapped basil leaf on the surface (optional). Serve immediately.