Rosemary Lemon Martini Cocktail Recipe

Rosemary Lemon Martini Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:25%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Rosemary Lemon Martini is a twist on the classic Martini, a cocktail that dates back to the mid-19th century. The addition of rosemary and lemon gives this cocktail a fresh, herbal twist that's perfect for summer evenings. It's a favorite among those who appreciate the sophistication of a Martini, but enjoy a hint of natural sweetness and a touch of the unexpected.

  • The Martini is believed to have originated in San Francisco, California.
  • The addition of rosemary and lemon is a more recent innovation, reflecting the trend towards more complex and layered cocktail flavors.

How Rosemary Lemon Martini Tastes?

The Rosemary Lemon Martini is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. The tartness of the lemon is balanced by the subtle sweetness of the simple syrup, while the rosemary adds a refreshing, earthy undertone. The gin base provides a strong, smooth backbone, making this a well-rounded, sophisticated cocktail.

Interesting facts about Rosemary Lemon Martini

  • The Martini is one of the best-known mixed alcoholic beverages.
  • The Rosemary Lemon Martini is a modern twist on this classic cocktail.
  • The addition of rosemary and lemon makes this cocktail particularly refreshing, making it a popular choice for summer.

Ingredients

A few good options for Rosemary Lemon Martini are:

  • Tanqueray Gin
  • Roku Japanese Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a complex botanical flavour that pairs well with the rosemary. Typically, 2 oz is the golden measure for a strong, yet not overwhelming, alcoholic base to the drink. Too much gin can overpower the other flavors, too little and you miss the spirit of a Martini.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the gin's potency and balancing the sweetness of the syrup. 1 oz is a perfect amount to achieve this balance. Without it, the cocktail would lack its signature zesty punch.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup brings sweetness to harmonize the tartness of the lemon juice. 1 oz ensures the drink isn't too sour, but beware—too much syrup could lead into an overly sweet concoction, while too little might make it too tart.

Emma Rose

Rosemary Sprig

This herb adds a distinctive piney aroma that elevates the cocktail with an earthy depth. Without it, you would miss out on that herbaceous note that makes this drink special. If rosemary isn't your twig, try thyme for a subtler touch.

Mary Mitkina

Garnish

A wheel of lemon and a sprig of rosemary are more than just pretty—they provide aromatic clues to the drinker about the flavors they're about to enjoy and enhance the sipping experience with their fresh scents.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Rosemary Lemon Martini Drink

  1. Muddle the blackberries and sage leaves in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add the vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a blackberry and a sage leaf.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer.
  • Slap the rosemary sprig against your hand before garnishing to release its aroma.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Seafood: The bright citrus flavors of the lemon would complement the delicate taste of seafood such as grilled shrimp or scallops.
  • Poultry: A herby chicken dish, particularly one featuring rosemary, would resonate with the cocktail's garden-fresh vibe.
  • Cheeses: Soft cheeses like goat cheese that have a slight tanginess would pair nicely, echoing the cocktail's sharp and herbaceous notes.

Drink Pairings

  • Sparkling water: To cleanse the palate between sips of the martini.
  • Light white wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc could follow the martini, continuing the theme of refreshing acidity.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Rosemary Lemon Martini

  • You can substitute vodka for gin if you prefer a less herbal flavor.
  • If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Rosemary Lemon Martini with Cucumber

  • Ingredients: Add 1 oz of cucumber juice.
  • Recipe: Same as original, but include cucumber juice with the initial muddling of rosemary.
  • Taste: Introduces a fresh, garden-like quality to the cocktail, making it even more refreshing and perfect for a summer affair.

Smoky Rosemary Lemon Martini

  • Ingredients: Substitute gin with mezcal.
  • Recipe: Use mezcal instead of gin and consider adding a smoked salt rim to the glass.
  • Taste: The smokiness of mezcal will transport your senses to a rustic campfire setting, providing a warm counterpoint to the fresh lemon and rosemary.

Honey Rosemary Lemon Martini

  • Ingredients: Replace simple syrup with honey syrup.
  • Recipe: Mix equal parts honey and water to create honey syrup. Use this in place of simple syrup in the cocktail.
  • Taste: Honey adds a rich, floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with rosemary, giving the drink a more robust and autumnal feel.

In case you forgot basics how to make Rosemary Lemon Martini

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Rosemary Lemon Martini

Does the type of gin used in the recipe affect the taste of the cocktail?

Yes, the type of gin used can greatly affect the taste of the cocktail. A London Dry gin will provide a different flavor profile than a Dutch Genever gin, for example.

Can I use any other herb instead of rosemary?

Yes, you can experiment with other herbs like basil or mint in place of rosemary. Each herb will contribute its own unique flavor, so it might alter the taste of the cocktail.

Why is using fresh lemon juice important?

Fresh lemon juice provides a more vibrant and tangy flavor, compared to bottled lemon juice which might have preservatives that can alter its taste.

Can I add some other garnishes to enhance the presentation?

Absolutely. While the classic rosemary sprig and lemon wheel are suggested, feel free to get creative with your garnish to enhance your drink's presentation.

Can I prepare this cocktail in large quantities for a party?

Yes, you can. Just make sure to scale your ingredients up correctly and always taste your mixture before serving to ensure your proportions are correct.

More similar recipes to Rosemary Lemon Martini!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe