Gin and Citrus Herb Focaccia Bread

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, fragrant focaccia infused with gin and fresh herbs, topped with lemon zest and sea salt for a bright, savory bread. This italian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 115 minutes brings together all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, about 110°F warm water 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 230 calories and feeds 8, 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: 90 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp honey in 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F). Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup gin, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking pan and press the dough evenly into the pan with your fingers, creating dimples across the surface.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the dough, sprinkle 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest and coarse sea salt evenly on top.
  6. Step 6: Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Gin and Citrus Herb Focaccia Bread take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (90 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Gin and Citrus Herb Focaccia Bread?

Refrigerate any leftover gin and citrus herb focaccia bread 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 Gin and Citrus Herb Focaccia Bread?

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 Gin and Citrus Herb Focaccia Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Gin and Citrus Herb Focaccia Bread?

Italian 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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