Herb-Pressed Gin Martini with Lemon Verbena
A crisp, botanical gin martini infused with fresh lemon verbena for a bright, herbal aroma and clean finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together gin, dry vermouth, leaves fresh lemon verbena leaves 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 170 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 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 4 leaves fresh lemon verbena leaves
- 1 thin strip lemon twist
- enough for mixing ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, gently muddle 4 fresh lemon verbena leaves to release their oils without tearing.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim, then pour in 2 1/2 oz gin and 1/2 oz dry vermouth.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Double strain the liquid into a chilled coupe glass to remove herb bits and ice shards.
- Step 5: Express a thin strip of lemon twist over the surface to release oils, then rim the glass edge with it and drop it in as garnish.
- Step 6: Serve immediately for a fresh, aromatic experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Pressed Gin Martini with Lemon Verbena take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Herb-Pressed Gin Martini with Lemon Verbena?
Refrigerate any leftover herb-pressed gin martini with lemon verbena 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 Herb-Pressed Gin Martini with Lemon Verbena?
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 Herb-Pressed Gin Martini with Lemon Verbena 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 Herb-Pressed Gin Martini with Lemon Verbena?
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.
