I’ll stick a herb in pretty much anything and adding or infusing herbs in drinks or cocktails is always delicious. My Orange and Rosemary Martini is particularly excellent for two reasons: first, it uses those fantastic big oranges that you can get at this time of year and second, that faint hint of rosemary is so distinctive it makes for a really refreshing martini. It looks inviting, it’s easy to make and the flavours take the edge of a plain martini (which I can find a bit harsh). This would work really well with leftover rosemary in the back of the fridge, or those sprigs you popped in the freezer. However you make it, and you should, make sure you’ve got a nice comfy chair and a book ready and waiting.
Ingredients
You will need (for one martini):
- 80ml chilled gin
- 20ml chilled vermouth
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 orange, sliced
- Ice cubes
Method
Lightly crush the rosemary in a glass, to release the oils, then pour in the gin. Return to the fridge for around half an hour to chill.
Fill a glass, or cocktail shaker, with ice cubes then strain the gin into the glass and add the vermouth.
Shake or stir as you see fit.
Run a slice of orange around the rim of a serving glass then strain the martini into the same glass.
Top with a few sprigs of rosemary and a slice of orange.
Using different gins and vermouths will of course alter the flavour of your finished drink. The rosemary is so earthy, it’s just a little hint that you get from using it, but it’s so worth it. If you wanted a stronger flavour you could leave it to infuse with the gin for longer or use more rosemary. As lemon is such a classic with a martini the progression to orange seems logical and the little bit of sweetness from the orange really does take the edge off the harshness.
Alida says
You are very good with gins and cocktails. I love this Martini!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Mmmm, I love a good cocktail and this martini looks fantastic. Orange and rosemary sound like a great combo.
Anna says
That looks dangerously good Caroline!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Mmmm, love cocktails. Orange and gin pair extremely well. This looks delish — thanks.
Evelyne CulturEatz says
I am also a big fan of herbs in cocktails. With a slice of orange, how utterly refreshing!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I like herb infused drinks and this martini sounds great for this time of the year as they are harvesting oranges in our area.
Juliana says
Oh Caroline, I am already loving this cocktail as I like gin…this sure sounds delicious and so refreshing!
I hope you are having a great week 🙂
Miriam says
Love the combination of orange & rosemary, looks so refreshing!
David | Spiced says
Oh, now this is a fun idea, Caroline! I agree that oranges are perfect right now…and I often seem to have extra rosemary sprigs around. One martini coming right up!
Ruby & Cake says
“i’ll stick a herb in pretty much anything” haha you and me both. I love that you have put it in a cocktail! i bet it is super fragrant and so delicious 🙂
Monica says
Such fun to concoct a good cocktail at home!
cheri says
What a gorgeous drink Caroline, never thought to add rosemary to a drink. I bet this is delicious.
Amy (Savory Moments) says
This drinks looks wonderful! I love the flavors.
grace says
rosemary is one of the few herbs i can actually grow, so i’ve taken to adding it to a lot of things! this sounds deliciously refreshing. 🙂
rebecca says
lovely flavors, have a wonderful weekend.
David says
We made these for our guest this evening. They were wonderful! Thanks, Caroline!