Don’t Judge Me Mondays: Lemongrass Martini

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A few weeks ago, I used Lemongrass in a recipe. While I’m petty sure I’ve eaten loads of foods that have Lemongrass in them, I’d never actually bought any and cooked with it myself.  The aroma is intoxicating and I immediately started thinking of other ways to use it.   Of course my brain went first to cocktails.  I wanted to make a drink that complemented the lovely lemony/herby flavor of the lemongrass without covering it up.  A simple martini made with gin and dry vermouth seemed like the best plan!

Let’s get to it!

Cut the stalks of lemongrass into 1 inch pieces.  You can find lemongrass in the produce section at an Asian foods store or at your local grocery store near the fresh herbs.

Now fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice and the pieces of lemongrass.

I prefer gin in general but also think its herby taste pairs well with the lemongrass so I used that.  If you really don’t like gin, you can use vodka.  Your cocktail will just have a slightly muted flavor.  Pour in the gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth.

Then you’re going to muddle the ice with the lemongrass and booze to extract more flavor out of the lemongrass pieces.  We don’t have a muddler so I just use the handle of a spatula (whatever works). Muddle for about a minute to really get that lemongrass flavor.  Pop on the top of your shaker and give it a few vigorous shakes.

Strain into your favorite martini glass and enjoy.

Garnish with a lemon wedge or small piece of lemongrass on the rim of the glass.  This drink is strong but the flavor of the lemongrass really prevents it from being a martini that just tastes of alcohol.

Cheers!

What interesting flavors have you tried in a martini?  What other ways have you used lemongrass?  Let me know in the comments!