The French Martini is a classy cocktail that only needs three ingredients: vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liqueur. The fruity profile is sweet without being overly so, and the pretty color looks fancy in any martini or coupe glass.
The French Martini is easy to make and you can easily tweak the ratios to your liking.
Related: Dry Martini, Lychee Martini, Espresso Martini, Chocolate Martini Recipe, Lemon Drop Martini, Pink Lady
When was the French Martini invented?
While the drink may look and sound like it was invented early last century, it was actually created in the 1980s by Allen Katz, a New York bartender. The French part of the martini comes from the use of Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur made in France.
What’s the best vodka for a French Martini?
While the choice of vodka is up to you and your pocket book, it’s worth it to skip the lowest level vodkas and opt for something smoother like Tito’s, Absolut, Three Olives, or Skyy.
What can I substitute for Chambord?
You can use any raspberry liqueur, Creme De Cassis (a black currant liqueur) or Creme De Mure (a blackberry liqueur) if you don’t have Chambord.
Ingredients
- Vodka: Vodka is a nice base for this drink as it has a more neutral flavor and allows the other fruity flavors to shine.
- Pineapple Juice: You can buy a good quality store bought juice for this martini, but try juicing a fresh pineapple to really add some fresh flavor.
- Chambord: This raspberry liqueur adds a fruity sweetness to the drink and the pineapple and raspberry go so well together.
- Lemon twist or raspberry (optional): Add an easy lemon twist or raspberry to the drink as a garnish.
A French Martini is generally served in a martini glass or coupe for a fancy feel.
Directions
To make a French Martini, add your vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord into a shaker filled with ice.
Shake well until cold and mixed and strain into a martini or coupe glass. Enjoy!
Tips for Making
- While there is a general debate between shaken and stirred among martini enthusiasts, the French martini only needs to be shaken.
- Try playing with the ratios of pineapple juice and Chambord to get your perfect level of sweetness.
- You can also muddle some fresh raspberries into the drink and strain out the fruit flesh for an extra punch of raspberry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a martini and a French martini?
A classic martini is just made with gin or vodka and a splash of vermouth. It is not sweet and all alcohol. A French martini has vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord so it is sweeter with fruitier notes and a lower proof overall.
What’s the difference between a French Martini and a French 75?
While both are delicious, a French martini uses vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord while a French 75 is made with gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Why isn’t my French Martini pink?
If your French Martini isn’t pink enough, it’s probably because you didn’t use enough Chambord in your cocktail.
More Easy Vodka Cocktails
Recipes to pair with a French Martini
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Instructions
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To make a French Martini, add your vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord into a shaker filled with ice.
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Shake well until cold and mixed and strain into a martini or coupe glass. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Making
- While there is a general debate between shaken and stirred among martini enthusiasts, the French martini only needs to be shaken.
- Try playing with the ratios of pineapple juice and Chambord to get your perfect level of sweetness.
- You can also muddle some fresh raspberries into the drink and strain out the fruit flesh for an extra punch of raspberry.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
French Martini
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
