Vietnamese Lemongrass Gin Smash
A vibrant, herbal cocktail with fresh lemongrass and citrus that captures the essence of Vietnamese flavors. This cocktails-inspired vietnamese ready in about 7 minutes pairs gin, fresh lime juice, lemongrass syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 145 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1.75 oz gin
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz lemongrass syrup
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- about 1 cup crushed ice
- 1, for garnish lemongrass stalk
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, gently muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with 0.75 oz lemongrass syrup to release aroma.
- Step 2: Add 1.75 oz gin and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice to the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir briskly for 20 seconds to chill and dilute.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a double old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
- Step 5: Garnish by placing a whole lemongrass stalk upright in the glass, lightly bruised at the base to release fragrance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vietnamese Lemongrass Gin Smash take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vietnamese Lemongrass Gin Smash?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese Lemongrass Gin Smash?
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 Vietnamese Lemongrass Gin Smash 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 Vietnamese Lemongrass Gin Smash?
Cocktails vietnamese 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.
