The Hillstone Crisp Martini
A light, crisp, and refreshingly elegant martini with vodka (or gin), St-Germain, fresh lemon, and a splash of Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect for date nights, girls’ nights, or anytime you want a cocktail that feels effortlessly chic.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz chopin vodka or hendricks gin if you prefer
- 1 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- ½ lemon juiced
- splash of sav blanc
- lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
For the Martini
- Place your martini glass in the freezer to chill while you prep the cocktail.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka (or gin), St-Germain, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into your chilled martini glass.
- Top with a splash of Sauvignon Blanc.
How to Make a Lemon Twist
- Start with a fresh, firm lemon. Wash it well to remove any wax or residue.
- Using a sharp paring knife or a vegetable peeler, cut a thin strip of peel. Try to avoid the white pith as much as possible—it’s bitter and can overpower the cocktail. Aim for about ¼ inch wide and 2–3 inches long.
- Hold the peel over the martini and gently twist it to release the natural oils—this adds a bright, fragrant note to your drink.
- To curl the twist, wrap it around a straw, cocktail stirrer, or even your finger for a few seconds, then place it in or on the edge of the glass.
- You can either drop it directly into the martini or drape it over the rim for a polished, elegant presentation.
Notes
- Using vodka gives a smoother, cleaner flavor, but gin works for a classic botanical twist.
- Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference in keeping it bright and crisp.