Citrus-Gin Martini with Orange Bitters
A refreshing take on the classic martini, combining gin and vermouth with a splash of orange bitters and garnished with a bright lemon twist. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together gin, dry vermouth, dashes orange bitters 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 165 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 oz gin
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 lemon twist
- 1 cup ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with 1 cup of ice cubes, then add 2 oz gin, 1 oz dry vermouth, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Stir gently for 30 seconds until cold and aromatic.
- Step 2: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass to keep it crisp.
- Step 3: Express the oils of 1 lemon twist over the drink by twisting it above the glass, then rim the glass with the peel before dropping it in as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Gin Martini with Orange Bitters take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Citrus-Gin Martini with Orange Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-gin martini with orange bitters 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 Citrus-Gin Martini with Orange Bitters?
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 Citrus-Gin Martini with Orange Bitters 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 Citrus-Gin Martini with Orange Bitters?
General 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.
