The French Martini is a modern classic cocktail combining vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice. Bright and fruity, it delivers tropical notes from the pineapple and a rounded berry sweetness and subtle vanilla from the Chambord.
While it borrows the “martini” name, the French Martini is a distinct, fruit-forward riff on the traditional vodka or gin martini. It was created in the 1980s by New York bartender Allen Katz and became popular for its approachable balance of booze and sweetness. Even those who don’t favor vodka often enjoy this cocktail for its flavorful harmony.
Ingredients
- Vodka: the cocktail’s neutral base. Adjust the amount to make the drink stronger or lighter to taste.
- Pineapple juice: provides tropical sweetness and creates the foamy collar when shaken. A 100% pineapple juice works best.
- Chambord: a French raspberry liqueur made with raspberries, vanilla, citrus peel, honey, and cognac; it brings rich berry flavor and a hint of vanilla.
Cocktail Variations
There are many variations online with different ratios. The essential goal is balance: let the pineapple juice and Chambord both be noticeable without one overwhelming the other. Try small tweaks—slightly more pineapple for a brighter, less sweet drink, or a touch more Chambord for deeper berry character—until you find your preferred balance.
How to Make a French Martini
Step 1.
Combine vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.
Step 2.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, then double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
Step 3.
Float a halved raspberry on the foam and serve. Properly shaken pineapple juice will create a foamy collar that can support the garnish.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glassware in the freezer before serving to keep the cocktail colder longer.
- Serve in a small coupe or Nick and Nora glass for the right presentation and portion size.
- Double-strain shaken cocktails through a fine-mesh strainer to remove tiny ice shards that can dilute the drink as it warms.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The foamy texture comes from vigorous shaking of pineapple juice, which creates a frothy collar similar to cocktails shaken with egg white.
A French Martini is a vodka-based cocktail made with raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice, while a classic martini is typically gin (or vodka) with vermouth and no fruit liqueur or juice.
A French 75 is a gin-based cocktail made with lemon juice and Champagne; it’s bright and sparkling, whereas the French Martini is a shaken, fruit-forward vodka cocktail.
More Vodka Cocktails
Pornstar Martini
Pear Martini
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Blueberry Martini
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French Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces pineapple juice — use 100% pineapple juice if possible
- 1 ounce Chambord raspberry liqueur
- Raspberry garnish — halved
Instructions
- Combine vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord in a cocktail shaker with a large cup of ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, then double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
- Float a halved raspberry on the foam and serve immediately.
Notes
A small coupe or Nick and Nora glass suits the French Martini best.
Double-straining removes tiny ice chips and helps prevent rapid dilution as the drink warms.
Nutrition
Calories: 206 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19.3 g
Protein: 0.2 g
Fat: 0.1 g
Sodium: 2 mg
Fiber: 0.1 g
Sugar: 17.7 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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