The Rosemary Lemon Martini is one of those cocktails that feels like sunshine in a glass. It’s crisp, bright, and just the right balance of tart lemon and earthy rosemary. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting a summer get-together, this drink brings a fresh, herbal twist to the classic martini.
Rosemary Lemon Martini
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights-it’s light, refreshing, and never fails to impress.
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Martini glass or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin or vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (or to taste)
– 1 sprig fresh rosemary (plus more for garnish)
– Ice (enough to fill your shaker)
– Optional: lemon twist, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your martini glass into the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix the drink. A cold glass keeps your cocktail crisp longer.
- Prep the rosemary. Strip the leaves off one sprig and give them a quick press or rub between your fingers to release the oils. You don’t need to muddle-just a little crush will do.
- Fill your shaker with ice. A full shaker helps chill the drink quickly without too much dilution.
- Add the ingredients. Pour in the gin or vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and rosemary leaves.
- Shake well. Give it a good shake for about 15 seconds, until the shaker feels nice and cold in your hands.
- Strain and serve. Dump the ice from your glass if you used it to chill. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish. Add a fresh rosemary sprig and a twist of lemon for a burst of aroma every time you take a sip.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– Try a natural sweetener. I’ve made this drink countless times-agave syrup works beautifully if you want a more mellow sweetness.
– Adjust the sweetness. If you like it more tart, reduce the syrup to ¼ oz (7 ml). Prefer it sweeter? Add a bit more.
– Don’t skip the garnish. That rosemary sprig isn’t just pretty-it adds a lovely aroma that hits your nose before the first sip.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can pre-mix the lemon juice, simple syrup, and spirits in a pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake individual servings with ice before pouring. Don’t add rosemary ahead of time-it can turn bitter if it sits too long.
Ingredient Swaps
– No fresh rosemary? Use a small pinch of dried rosemary, but strain thoroughly-it’s more potent.
– No simple syrup? Mix equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved, or swap in honey or agave.
– Prefer vodka? Go for it-vodka gives a cleaner, smoother base and lets the lemon and rosemary shine.
Flavor Variations
Lavender Lemon Martini
– Swap rosemary for a few drops of lavender syrup.
– Garnish with a sprig of lavender or a lemon wheel.
Rosemary Grapefruit Martini
– Replace lemon juice with fresh grapefruit juice.
– Add a rosemary sprig and a grapefruit twist for garnish.
Thyme Lemon Martini
– Use thyme instead of rosemary.
– Garnish with a fresh thyme sprig for a more delicate, floral note.
Zero-Proof Version
– Use sparkling water or a non-alcoholic gin alternative.
– Keep the lemon, syrup, and rosemary the same.
– Still shake with ice to get that frosty texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail loves a good food pairing. Here are a few ideas:
Grilled Chicken
The rosemary and lemon in both the drink and the chicken make for a perfect match.
Seafood
Shrimp, scallops, or even grilled fish bring out the citrusy notes in the cocktail.
Cheese Platter
Try it with aged cheddar, goat cheese, or even blue cheese. The herbal brightness cuts through creamy, salty cheeses beautifully.
Storage
– Simple syrup: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– Fresh lemon juice: Best used within 1-2 days.
– Rosemary: Keep wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a zip-top bag in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about a week.
– Pre-mixed cocktail (without ice): Store in the fridge up to 24 hours. Shake with ice before serving.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes, but use just a pinch-it’s more concentrated. And strain well to avoid bits in your drink.
What kind of gin works best?
A classic London Dry gin gives a clean, crisp flavor. But feel free to experiment with more botanical gins if you want something bolder.
Can I make this in a big batch?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients, mix in a pitcher, and shake individual servings with ice before pouring.
Is there a sugar-free option?
Yes! Try using a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol syrup.
What other herbs can I try?
Basil, mint, thyme, or even sage can all work well in place of rosemary-each adds its own twist.
Final Sip
There’s something special about the way rosemary and lemon come together in this cocktail-it’s simple, elegant, and incredibly refreshing. Whether you’re relaxing solo or serving up drinks for friends, this one’s sure to become a favorite. Cheers to good drinks and even better company.
