Silky smooth with a hit of fruity flavor, this French martini needs to be in your cocktail repertoire. Unlike a traditional martini, this cocktail skips the gin and vermouth in favor of vodka and Chambord liqueur. Vodka is a clear flavorless spirit that’s ideal for this martini so that the Chambord liqueur can shine with its flavor and color. Sweet but also tart, this martini is packed with flavor and is easily adapted to be as strong as you’d like. Want to make another twist on a classic? Try my Chocolate Martini or Lemon Drop Martini as well!
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Vodka — I recommend using good quality vodka, so you end up with a silky cocktail. The better quality of vodka you use, the more smooth the cocktail will be.
Chambord liqueur — Chambord liqueur is a cognac-based liqueur that tastes rich and fruity thanks to the whole raspberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants infused into the spirit. Chambord gives the cocktail a beautiful color and sweet fruity flavor.
Pineapple juice — if you can juice your own fresh pineapple juice, that’s perfect, but regular fresh pineapple juice will do. The pineapple juice adds a delicious fruity taste to the cocktail and also provides a creamy mouthfeel.
HOW TO MAKE A FRENCH MARTINI
1. Slice off a bit of the lemon peel to use as a garnish if desired.
2. Add ice to the cocktail shaker.
3. Pour the vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice into the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously to combine.
5. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass.
6. Garnish as you wish.
PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE
- I love adding a lemon peel as a garnish as it adds a delicious citrus aroma to every sip.
- You can add a dash of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten up the flavors of this French martini.
- Other garnishes you can use are ripe raspberries, blackberries, or a slice of fresh pineapple.
- To make the drink even colder, you can chill your martini glasses in the freezer beforehand.
- Avoid adding crushed ice to the shaker as the ice will melt quicker and water down the cocktail.
- Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You can use a mason jar or any jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can use a mesh strainer to keep the ice in the jar.
- You can try Crème de Cassis in place of Chambord for a more budget-friendly alternative. Made with blackcurrants, the flavor of Crème de Cassis is similar.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where does this cocktail originate?
This cocktail is categorized as French as it uses a French liqueur made and bottled at La Sistiere Chateau in France’s Loire Valley. However, the French martini was born in a New York City restaurant in the late-1980s.
Can Chambord liqueur go bad?
Yes, Chambord liqueur can go bad. Unlike other liqueurs, you should try to use Chambord within six months due to the ingredients added to the distilled spirit. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you see sugar crystals in the bottle, then it should be tossed.
Can I batch make this martini?
You can pre-make this French martini ahead of time for a party if you’d like to save some time. Do so by scaling up the ingredients to the number of drinks you’d like to make, then combine the liquids in a freezer-safe container without ice. You can store the pre-mixed cocktail in a freezer (as the alcohol won’t freeze) for a speedy way to chill the drink or store it in the fridge if you have extra time.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this French Martini recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
French Martini
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz vodka 60mL
- 1 oz chambord liqueur 30mL
- 1 oz pineapple juice 30mL
Instructions
- Put some ice into the cocktail shaker.
- Pour the vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice into the shaker.
- Close and shake vigorously. Pour into martini glass.
Video
Notes
- I love adding a lemon peel as a garnish as it adds a delicious citrus aroma to every sip.
- You can add a dash of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
- Other garnishes you can use are ripe raspberries, blackberries, or a slice of fresh pineapple.
- To make the drink even colder, you can chill your martini glasses in the freezer beforehand.
- Avoid adding crushed ice to the shaker as the ice will melt quicker and water down the cocktail.
- Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You can use a mason jar or any jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can use a mesh strainer to keep the ice in the jar.
- You can try Crème de Cassis in place of Chambord for a more budget-friendly alternative. Made with blackcurrants, the flavor of Crème de Cassis is similar.
Nutrition
