Step 1

Chill a martini glass by placing it in the freezer, or fill it with ice, and let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 2

To make a simple lemon twist, peel a few long ribbons from a lemon. Working gingerly with a small paring knife, gently scrape off the white pith from inside the lemon peel. Cut the uneven sides off the lemon slice, giving it a ribbon-like form. Twist the peel around a straw, and hold it for 1 minute, until it mostly keeps its shape.

Step 3

Fill a shaker with ice. Add the gin, Lillet blanc, and gentian liqueur into the shaker. Shake until well-chilled, about 10 to 20 seconds.

Step 4

Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with the lemon twist.