Mandarine Sidecar

Use 2:1 rich simple syrup for its listed portion.

Select and pre-chill a cocktail coupe to ensure optimal temperature for serving.

Moisten the rim of the coupe with orange juice, then dip it into sugar for a sweet, decorative edge.

Prepare a garnish by twisting a piece of lemon zest.

Combine cognac, mandarin liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, rich sugar syrup, chilled water or mineral water (if not using wet ice), and saline solution in a shaker.

Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously to blend and chill the ingredients.

Fine strain the mixture into the pre-chilled cocktail coupe to ensure a smooth texture.

Express the lemon zest twist over the cocktail to release its oils, then discard the twist.