Classic Stirred Gin Martini with Lemon Twist

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A timeless cocktail combining dry gin and vermouth, chilled and garnished with a bright lemon twist for a refreshing finish. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together dry gin, dry vermouth, lemon 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 160 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with 4-5 large ice cubes to chill. Pour in 2.5 oz dry gin and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.
  2. Step 2: Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
  3. Step 3: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Step 4: Express the oils of 1 lemon peel twist over the surface by twisting it above the glass, then rub the rim with the peel and drop it in as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Stirred Gin Martini with Lemon Twist 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 Classic Stirred Gin Martini with Lemon Twist?

Refrigerate any leftover classic stirred gin martini with lemon twist 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 Classic Stirred Gin Martini with Lemon Twist?

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 Classic Stirred Gin Martini with Lemon Twist 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 Classic Stirred Gin Martini with Lemon Twist?

Cocktails 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.

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