Gin-Infused Martini Green Beans
Elevate your appetizer or cocktail experience with these Gin-Infused Martini Green Beans, ideal as a side dish or a unique garnish for martinis. Each bean is delicately pickled with a zesty blend of lemons, aromatic juniper berries, and savory garlic, creating an unforgettable flavor that perfectly complements the botanicals in gin. Canned to preserve freshness, these beans boast a delightful crunch and a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with drinks or serves as a gourmet side at your next gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
2 cups (As is)
Kosher Salt
1/4 cup (As is)
Vinegar
3 cups (As is)
Sugar
1/4 cup (As is)
Green Beans
16 cups (Washed, trimmed, and boiled for 5 minutes)
Onions
2 onions (Sliced, approximately 4-6 cups)
Garlic Cloves
4-8 cloves (As is)
Chili Peppers
4 peppers (As is)
Bay Leaves
4 leaves (As is)
Mustard Seeds
1 teaspoon (As is)
Peppercorns
1 teaspoon (As is)
Juniper Berries
8 berries (As is)
Dill Seed
1 tablespoon (As is)
Dill Weed
1 tablespoon (As is)
Lemon Peel Strips
8 strips (As is)
Gin
1 cup (As is)
Instructions
1
Begin by sterilizing four quart canning jars and lids in boiling water for at least 10 minutes to ensure they are properly sanitized.
2
In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, vinegar, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the sliced onions and boiled green beans, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3
While the beans are simmering, prepare the jars. To each jar, add 2 cloves of garlic, 1 chili pepper, and 1 bay leaf. Divide the mustard seeds, peppercorns, dill weed, and dill seeds equally among the jars. Add 2 strips of lemon peel and 2 juniper berries to each jar. Pour 1/4 cup of gin into each jar over the spice mixture.
4
Once the beans and onions are done simmering, carefully pack them into the jars, making sure to leave a 1/4 inch headspace. Pour the hot liquid into the jars, ensuring the beans and onions are fully submerged.
5
Using a chopstick or a bubble remover, gently remove any air bubbles from the jars. Wipe the rim of each jar with a clean cloth to ensure a tight seal.
6
Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the rings until they are fingertip-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them properly.
7
After processing, remove the jars and allow them to cool completely on a clean towel. Check the seals after cooling; the lid should not flex upward when pressed.
8
Label the jars and store them in a dark, cool place for 2 to 3 weeks to allow the flavors to develop fully.
9
Serve the Martini Green Beans chilled, either as a side dish or as a garnish for your favorite gin cocktails.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Gin-Infused Martini Green Beans?
These beans are zesty and aromatic, featuring a blend of lemon, juniper berries, and savory garlic that complements the botanicals found in gin.
How should these green beans be served?
Serve them chilled as a gourmet side dish or use them as a unique garnish for your favorite martinis and gin cocktails.
What type of gin is best for this recipe?
A high-quality botanical gin works best to enhance the juniper and citrus notes of the pickled beans.
How many jars does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to fill four quart-sized canning jars.
Do I need to boil the green beans before canning?
Yes, the beans should be washed, trimmed, and boiled for 5 minutes before being added to the brine to ensure the proper texture.
How long do the jars need to be sterilized?
Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 10 minutes before starting the packing process.
What is the purpose of adding juniper berries?
Juniper berries are the primary botanical in gin; adding them to the jars reinforces the gin-infused theme and adds a piney aroma.
Can I use regular salt instead of kosher salt?
It is recommended to use kosher salt for canning because it doesn't contain additives that can make the pickling brine cloudy.
Why is sugar used in this recipe?
A small amount of sugar helps balance the sharp acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the brine.
How much gin goes into each jar?
Each quart jar receives 1/4 cup of gin poured directly over the spice mixture.
What is the recommended headspace for the jars?
You should leave a 1/4 inch headspace at the top of the jars to allow for a proper vacuum seal.
How do I remove air bubbles from the jars?
Use a chopstick or a bubble remover tool to gently stir the contents and release any trapped air before sealing the lids.
How long is the water bath processing time?
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly for long-term storage.
How long should I wait before eating the beans?
For the best flavor development, store the jars in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks before serving.
Can I omit the chili peppers if I don't want them spicy?
Yes, you can omit the chili peppers if you prefer a milder flavor, as they primarily add a subtle heat.
How do I know if the jars have sealed correctly?
Once cooled, press the center of the lid; if it does not flex or pop, the jar is properly sealed.
What should I do if a jar doesn't seal?
If a lid flexes when pressed, the seal failed; store that jar in the refrigerator and consume the beans within a few days.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Fresh green beans are highly recommended to ensure the beans maintain their signature 'delightful crunch'.
Why must the jar rims be wiped before sealing?
Wiping the rims with a clean cloth removes any residue that could prevent the lid from forming an airtight seal.
Is it necessary to use both dill seed and dill weed?
Yes, the combination of both creates a deeper, more complex herbal profile typical of high-quality pickles.
What kind of onions should I use?
Yellow or white onions are preferred for their balance of sweetness and savory flavor when simmered in the brine.
How do I prepare the lemon peel?
Use a peeler to create thin strips of lemon skin, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
Can I use this recipe for asparagus?
Yes, this gin-infusion method and brine also work excellently for pickling fresh asparagus spears.
Should I peel the garlic cloves?
Yes, garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the jars to allow their flavor to infuse into the liquid.
How long do these last in storage?
Properly canned and sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year, though they are best consumed within a few months.
Does the gin make the beans highly alcoholic?
The beans contain a small amount of gin, but the overall alcohol content per serving is very low.
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
You can, but it will result in a darker brine and a slightly different, fruitier tang compared to white vinegar.
Where is the best place to store the jars?
A dark, cool pantry or cellar is ideal to prevent light from affecting the quality of the vegetables.
How should I clean the green beans?
Wash them thoroughly in cold water and trim off the stem ends before boiling.
Can I make a half-batch?
Yes, you can easily halve the ingredients to make two quart jars instead of four.