This classic recipe for a French Martini with vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice is sure to become one of your favorite cocktails. Simple to make in a cocktail shaker or jar, this drink is perfect for your next party, special occasions, or happy hour at home. It’s easy to batch-make ahead and store in the freezer too!
The vodka makes this cocktail smooth to sip, and the Chambord delivers a sweet raspberry flavor which makes it especially refreshing when served for outdoor gatherings. Compared to a classic gin martini, this recipe does not use vermouth or gin. You’ll love the tartness that comes from the pineapple juice, and shaking it up couldn’t be easier. For more martini recipes, try my chocolate martini, lemon drop martini, or espresso martini.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Vodka – use your favorite brand of vodka, but I always recommend getting a higher-quality vodka, even if you get a smaller bottle to work with your budget. A few good brands to consider are Belvedere, Grey Goose, Ciroc, Tito’s, and Chopin. A good quality vodka will make this cocktail silky and delicious.
Chambord liqueur – made with raspberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants, this cognac-based liqueur gives the fruity cocktail sweeter notes. This liqueur is a stunning color thanks to being infused with fruit, so a Chambord martini looks extra special with its berry hue. You can also substitute Crème de Cassis for a similar flavor.
Pineapple juice – pineapple juice is perfect in cocktails because it’s sweet and tangy and pairs well with vodka and liqueurs. Make your own fresh pineapple juice, or use a can of juice.
How to Make A French Martini
1. Thinly slice off a small strip of the lemon peel to use as a garnish if desired.
2. Add ice to the cocktail shaker.
3. Pour the vodka, Chambord black raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice into the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously to combine.
5. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with the lemon peel or as you wish.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Add citrus peel or juice to the shaker. For a hint of lemon or lime flavor, add a piece of peel or a squeeze of juice into the shaker with the other ingredients to change up the original recipe with a bright pop of flavor.
- Chill your glasses. To keep this cocktail chilly, put your martini glass or coupe glass in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes beforehand. They will have a frosty appearance and keep this drink cool, especially when sipping on a hot day.
- Use ice cubes instead of crushed ice. Shaken cocktails are best when made with ice cubes. Crushed ice begins melting quickly and will water down your drink.
- Scale the recipe. To make a larger quantity of this recipe, combine the ingredients in a larger mason jar or jar with a tight-fitting lid and chill until ready to use. I recommend shaking up individual cocktails when you’re ready to serve. Measure out 4 ounces of the mixture into a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake.
- French martini garnish ideas. Add a fresh raspberry or a cocktail pick with several berries to the top of the glass as a nod to Chambord raspberry liqueur. You can also give this drink a simple classic finish by topping it with a lemon twist or orange peel.
- Use the Chambord within 6 months of opening it. Due to the fruit content in the liqueur, it can go bad, unlike most other alcohol. Store the bottle in a cool, dry, place and discard after 6 months or if you notice the formation of sugar crystals in the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chambord is a cognac-based French liqueur made and bottled in France’s Loire Valley. It has a sweet, fruity, and rich flavor because it is infused with whole raspberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants. The liquor is perfect for pairing with vodka, gin, or fruit juice like pineapple juice. Use it for martinis, margaritas, or in a champagne cocktail.
If you’re new to drink mixology or have never tried traditional martinis, I recommend trying my martini recipe to have a taste of the classic version that this drink is a twist on. If you enjoy a bit of fruit flavor in your martini, try a pomegranate martini or a Clover Club cocktail made with gin and fresh raspberries. A kir royale is made with fresh raspberries and Crème de Cassis or Chambord, so try it if you like the blackcurrant flavor and champagne.
You can make this ahead of time in any quantity for a party or when hosting a cocktail hour. Scale the ingredients to your desired number of servings and combine them in a freezer-safe container separate from the ice. Store in the freezer until you are ready to shake up and serve. The drink won’t freeze due to the alcohol content, so you’ll be ready for a crowd!
You can personalize this martini with Chambord by increasing the amount of vodka or Chambord used. You can also decrease the pineapple juice if you prefer a stronger Chambord taste. You can also use vanilla vodka if you like a sweeter, creamier-flavored cocktail.
The name comes from the French raspberry liqueur used in the recipe. Chambord is manufactured and bottled at La Sistiere Chateau in France’s Loire Valley and is the star ingredient. Though the drink was created in the late 1980s in New York City, it has become a contemporary classic cocktail. Classic martini and French martini cocktails differ in some ingredients, but both use vodka and are cocktail recipes served in martini glasses.
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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
Video
Equipment
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.
Notes
- Add citrus peel or juice to the shaker. For a hint of lemon or lime flavor, add a piece of peel or a squeeze of juice into the shaker with the other ingredients to change up the original recipe with a bright pop of flavor.
- Chill your glasses. To keep this cocktail chilly, put your martini glass or coupe glass in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes beforehand. They will have a frosty appearance and keep this drink cool, especially when sipping on a hot day.
- Use ice cubes instead of crushed ice. Shaken cocktails are best when made with ice cubes. Crushed ice begins melting quickly and will water down your drink.
- Scale the recipe. To make a larger quantity of this recipe, combine the ingredients in a larger mason jar or jar with a tight-fitting lid and chill until ready to use. I recommend shaking up individual cocktails when you’re ready to serve. Measure out 4 ounces of the mixture into a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake.
- French martini garnish ideas. Add a fresh raspberry or a cocktail pick with several berries to the top of the glass as a nod to Chambord raspberry liqueur. You can also give this drink a simple classic finish by topping it with a lemon twist or orange peel.
- Use the Chambord within 6 months of opening it. Due to the fruit content in the liqueur, it can go bad, unlike most other alcohol. Store the bottle in a cool, dry, place and discard after 6 months or if you notice the formation of sugar crystals in the bottom.
Love your recipes. I live in Canada in the province of Quebec. A few years ago, my husband and I went to Ile d’Orléans close to Québec City and found a place where they make Crème de Cassis. This crème de cassis is out of this world and so versatile. I will definitely try it in your fabulous drink. Thank you again for all your great recipes and your great smile.
Move over, Cucumber Martini…this incredibly satisfying French Martini is my favorite one now!
Fabulous martini recipe—refreshing and sophisticated flavors that please the palate and put a smile on my face! Mission accomplished, Preppy Kitchen!