Juniper-Spiced Gin Martini
A sharp and aromatic martini enhanced with warm spices and crisp citrus oils for an elevated sipping experience. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together London dry gin, Dry vermouth, dashes Orange bitters 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.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz London dry gin
- 1/2 oz Dry vermouth
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 whole Star anise
- 1 wide strip Lemon peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 whole star anise in a mixing glass and pour in 2 1/2 oz London dry gin and 1/2 oz dry vermouth.
- Step 2: Add 2 dashes of orange bitters and fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and infuse the gin with subtle spice.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of lemon peel over the cocktail surface by twisting it above the glass, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Juniper-Spiced Gin Martini 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 Juniper-Spiced Gin Martini?
Refrigerate any leftover juniper-spiced 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 Juniper-Spiced 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 Juniper-Spiced 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 Juniper-Spiced 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.
