I always thought the French Martini was as French as baguettes and berets. I mean, with a name like that, who wouldn’t? I had envisioned this martini as something the Parisian elite sipped while discussing art and philosophy in a dimly lit café. But it turns out, this cocktail has about as much to do with France as my dog does with physics. It was invented by a bartender in New York.
So why do they call it like that? The reason is that it contains Chambord, a raspberry liqueur that hails from France. Apart from that, it’s not particularly French. However, it’s still a delightful concoction.
I took my first sip of my homemade French Martini, it was a revelation! The sweet, tangy pineapple played harmoniously with the rich, berry notes of Chambord, and the vodka added just the right amount of kick.
Whether it’s truly French or not, this popular martini type had certainly charmed its way into my heart, one sip at a time. Here is how to make French Martini:
Clasasic French Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka e.g. Grey Goose
- 1 oz raspberry liqueur Chambord
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- Ice cubes
- Fresh raspberries or a twist of lemon peel for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes. The amount of ice can vary depending on your preference for a cold martini.
- Pour 2 oz (60 ml) of vodka into the shaker. Next, add 1 oz (30 ml) of raspberry liqueur, such as Chambord. This is what gives the French Martini its distinctive fruity flavor.
- Pour in 1 oz (30 ml) of pineapple juice. The pineapple juice balances the sweetness of the raspberry liqueur and adds a tropical twist to the martini.
- Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake for about 10-15 seconds. This chills the ingredients and creates a frothy texture.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. You can use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any ice shards if you prefer a smoother texture.
- If desired, garnish your French Martini with a few fresh raspberries or a twist of lemon peel. This adds an elegant touch to the presentation.
Notes
You can add a little difference to the perfect French Kiss Martini recipe by replacing or adding other elements to make multiple variations, such as:
- Sparkling French Martini: By adding sparkling wine, you enhance the drink’s overall lightness and create a sensation that is both lively and indulgent.
- Version without pineapple juice: If you’re allergic to pineapple, you can try other juice like the combination of lemon juice and mango juice or orange juice with mango juice.
- French Martini Mocktail: If you want a non-alcoholic version, you make a French Martini mocktail with pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup.
