Charred Citrus Gin Martini
A bold, herbaceous martini featuring gin infused with charred citrus peel and a hint of dry vermouth. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together London dry gin, dry vermouth, wide strip orange peel for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 175 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz London dry gin
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 wide strip lemon peel
- enough to fill mixing glass and serve ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a kitchen torch or grill, carefully char one wide strip each of orange peel and lemon peel until blackened but not burnt.
- Step 2: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to chill, then pour in 2.5 oz London dry gin and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Step 5: Express the oils of the charred orange and lemon peels over the surface by twisting them firmly, then rim the glass with the peels and drop both into the drink as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Citrus Gin Martini take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Charred Citrus Gin Martini?
Refrigerate any leftover charred citrus gin martini in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Citrus Gin Martini?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Citrus Gin Martini for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charred Citrus Gin Martini?
Cocktails & Beverages cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
