Gin-Infused Herb Marmalade
A tangy, aromatic preserve made with gin, citrus peels, and fresh herbs, perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese. This international-inspired quick meals ready in about 40 minutes brings together gin, grated lemon peels, grated orange peels 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 120 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1/2 cup gin
- 3 tbsp grated lemon peels
- 2 tbsp grated orange peels
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup gin, 3 tbsp grated lemon peels, 2 tbsp grated orange peels, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low, add 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until syrupy and reduced by half.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then pour into sterilized jars. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin-Infused Herb Marmalade take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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-Infused Herb Marmalade?
Refrigerate any leftover gin-infused herb marmalade 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-Infused Herb Marmalade?
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-Infused Herb Marmalade for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Infused Herb Marmalade?
International quick meals 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the International come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
