Belvedere Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail (at least 3–5 minutes).

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, add 2 oz vodka, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes orange bitters.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass with ice (about 1 cup). Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted (water beads on the outside of the mixing glass). If you prefer a slightly more aerated texture, shake vigorously for 6–8 seconds instead of stirring.

Strain

Discard ice or water from the chilled serving glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe/martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove any small ice chips and citrus pulp.

Express the lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding it skin-side down about 3–4 inches above the drink and giving it a sharp twist to release the oils, then wipe the rim with the twist and drop it into the glass. Alternatively, float a lemon wheel on the surface if you prefer.

Serve immediately while cold.