Herbal Lemon Gin Martini

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

A crisp and herbaceous gin martini lifted by fresh lemon and a sprig of rosemary for aromatic complexity. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 4 minutes brings together London dry gin, dry vermouth, wide strip fresh 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 145 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: 4 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 145 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes to the brim.
  2. Step 2: Pour 2.5 oz London dry gin and 1/2 oz dry vermouth over the ice.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  4. Step 4: Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Step 5: Express a wide strip of fresh lemon peel over the surface, twisting to release the oils, then rim the glass with the peel before dropping it in.
  6. Step 6: Gently slap a fresh rosemary sprig to release its aroma and place it delicately on the edge of the glass as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbal Lemon Gin Martini take to make?

Total time is about 4 minutes (4 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 Herbal Lemon Gin Martini?

Refrigerate any leftover herbal lemon gin martini 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 Herbal Lemon Gin Martini?

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 Herbal Lemon Gin Martini 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 Herbal Lemon Gin Martini?

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.