Stella Recipe

Chill and prepare

Chill a coupe or flute in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. Gather a shaker, strainer, jigger and bar spoon.

Combine base ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and two dashes of orange bitters. Add a generous handful of ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker.

Shake

Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain and top

Discard the ice or water from the chilled glass. Double-strain the shaken mixture into the chilled coupe or flute to remove ice shards. Top gently with the chilled sparkling wine (approximately 2 oz).

Finish

Give the drink a very gentle stir (1–2 turns with a bar spoon) to integrate the sparkling wine without flattening it. Taste and adjust: if it needs more brightness, add a few drops of lemon; if it needs sweetness, add a splash (0.25 oz) of simple syrup.

Express the oils of a lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding the twist over the glass and giving it a quick squeeze and twist, then drop it into the drink.

If desired, float an edible flower or a single star anise on top for visual appeal. Serve immediately.