How to Make the Iconic “Crisp Martini” (with Sauvy B)
Not long after I moved to Dallas, a friend was in town so I went out for a lovely dinner with her and her mom and daughter at the well-known upscale restaurant, Hillstone.
I was a bit flustered from traffic and parking and being a few minutes late, so I plopped down in the booth, gave everyone a quick hug, glanced at the cocktail list, and my eyes lit on the “Crisp Martini”. I exclaimed, “ooh, yes!” under my breath.
And I fell in love at first sip.

Also affectionately known as the “Martini with Sauvy B”, this Hillstone cocktail went viral a while back, and is a staple on their menu.
It’s SO easy to recreate yourself, if you don’t have a Hillstone near you (or are not driving close to an hour in traffic anytime you want one…).

You might also like: The At-Home Cocktail Tools I Swear By
The Crisp Martini only takes a few ingredients, and no complicated equipment. All you need is a good gin (I prefer a London Dry, more citrus-forward vs. juniper; Fords is my go-to), St. Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a light-bodied dry white wine.
The original recipe calls for a Sauvingnon Blanc, which is great, but I love Vermentino and that’s what I had on hand anyway.

I love a beautiful cocktail glass, and think they really elevate a drink. My collection has gotten out of hand, to be honest. For this one, I’ve gone with my traditional Nick & Nora coupe, though here’s an interesting, more modern version,

How to make the Hillstone Crisp Martini
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add all of the ingredients. You can also stir this, rather than shake.
Shake for 10-15 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass.



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This is the perfect patio sipper, and also a great cocktail to pair with a meal!
Other gin cocktails you’ll love:
- Ma’am Don’t Be Silly: A Blackberry, Gin, Aperol Cocktail
- How to Make an Italian Gin & Tonic
- My Summer Staple: Basil Gin Gimlet
- The “Last Word”: A Classic Gin Cocktail
- The Verdant Lady: Gin & Green Chartreuse Cocktail
- How to Make a French Gimlet (which also has elderflower & gin)
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The Iconic "Crisp Martini" (with Sauv B)
The Crisp Martini is a non-traditional take on the classic cocktail, pioneered by upscale restaurant Hillstone...it's delightfully refreshing, slightly floral, and a little mellow, and SO easy to whip up yourself at home!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces of good gin (I prefer a London Dry style, more citrus-forward)
- 1 ounce of St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce of a light-bodied dry white wine (see notes)
- Lemon or lime peel, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add all of the ingredients.
- Shake for 10-15 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Notes
For the wine, I love Vermentino, a Sauvignon Blanc works, you want something light-bodied, dry, with a nice acidity and ideally some citrus notes
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