French Martini Recipe

Posted in Vodka on February 28, 2014

Technically speaking, French Martini is not exactly martini. It doesn’t have any vermouth or gin and it is vodka-based. The use of pineapple juice and raspberry syrup make it fruity and sweet. However, in the 90s it became popular and accepted to call everything that was served in a martini glass with this name.

The origins of this cocktail are not known. The French in its name definitely comes from the usage of Chambord raspberry liqueur. Even though the drink was sometimes mentioned in cocktail books before the prohibition era, it was not very popular back then. It was rediscovered in the late 90s by Dick Bradsell and it remained popular ever since. The French Martini is excellent for those who don’t appreciate a strong alcoholic taste. The drink is indeed alcoholic, but the taste of the vodka is overpowered by the raspberry and the pineapple flavors. Those who want to enjoy a fruity drink in a summer night can go for this light and easy going beverage.

How to Prepare the French Martini

You need the following ingredients:

• 2 parts vodka
• ½ part raspberry liqueur (it would be excellent if you could use Chambord).
• 2 parts fresh pineapple juice.
• A twist of lemon peel, a fresh raspberry or a wedge of pineapple for garnish.

Put all the ingredients with ice in a shaker and shake them well. Strain in a chilled glass and garnish with whatever you find appealing. You can use some fresh pineapple or a fresh raspberry, but you can also use some twisted lemon peel. It is best to use the most qualitative ingredients you can find.

There is also a variety of French Martini which uses gin instead of vodka. It has to be prepared in the same way, but the vodka is replaced with dry gin.

French Martini with Champagne

This is one of the most popular variations of the French Martini. Champagne always brings an extra touch of sophistication, so you shouldn’t be afraid of using it. You have to prepare the cocktail as described above and to top it off with champagne. If you want it to be even more refined, you can rim the glass with sugar. Since the French Martini is very fruity, you should choose brut champagne for this recipe. Make sure it is chilled in advance because you don’t want warm champagne in your glasses.