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The French Martini is a contemporary classic cocktail made with vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice. It’s a unique and fruity cocktail with tropical vibes thanks to the pineapple and raspberry liqueur.
The French Martini is technically a spinoff of a classic vodka martini (see Tuxedo No. 2 cocktail for a better twist on the classic gin martini). While the original martini was made with gin, vodka is often used in its place.
The French Martini was created in the 1980s by New York bartender Allen Katz. It’s an interesting cocktail that’s fruity and balanced if made properly. You’ll still appreciate this cocktail even if you aren’t a vodka lover.
If you enjoyed this cocktail, also try some of my other vodka recipes such as the Cosmopolitan cocktail, the popular pear martini, and my delicious blueberry martini and limoncello martini.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Vodka: the base spirit for this recipe. This can be easily adjusted by using more or less to make the cocktail boozier or sweeter.
- Pineapple Juice: I like Dole 100% pineapple juice sold in small cans. It’s perfect for cocktails and less wasteful. Make a Piña Colada with the leftover pineapple juice!
- Chambord: a French raspberry liqueur made from red and black raspberries, Madagascar vanilla, citrus peel, honey, and cognac. It’s a nice blend of flavor, booze, and raspberry sweetness.
Cocktail Variations
If you browse online you’ll find numerous variations of this cocktail with differing parts for each ingredient. The key is striking a balance between the pineapple juice and Chambord. You want to be able to appreciate both without one overpowering the other.
I experimented with several variations and came up with a cocktail that is right down the middle in terms of flavor, sweetness, and a subtle boozy backbone. I encourage you to explore adding more or less to see what you like the best.
How to Make a French Martini
Step 1.
Combine vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord in a cocktail shaker with a large cup of ice.
Step 2.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
Step 3.
Float a halved raspberry on top of the foam and serve. The pineapple juice should create a foamy collar strong enough to hold a halved raspberry.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
- This cocktail is best served in a small coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
- Always double-strain shaken cocktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the cocktail as it warms.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the pineapple juice tends to get foamy as it’s shaken, resembling a cocktail made with egg white.
A French Martini is a vodka martini made with raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. A classic martini is typically gin and vermouth.
A French 75 is a gin-based cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and Champagne.
More Vodka Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
French Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces pineapple juice, I like Dole 100% pineapple juice
- 1 ounce Chambord raspberry liqueur
- raspberry garnish, sliced in half
Instructions
- Combine vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord in a cocktail shaker with a large cup of ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
- Float a halved raspberry on top of the foam and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this recipe. I just bought some coupe glasses to make it even more festive!
I can’t get the rating to work but this is 5 stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So glad to hear it Jacci!