It might surprise you that the French martini was concocted in New York City during the 1980s. But what's the French connection, you wonder? It's all in the raspberry liqueur that gave this cocktail the iconic name. Thanks to the cocktail renaissance of the 80s and 90s, when flavored martinis first surged in popularity, the French martini also joined the ranks of beloved libations.
How to Make a French Martini
Often, bartenders use crème de cassis in place of the raspberry liqueur. The crisp and complex flavors of the blackcurrant liqueur are sharper than the sweeter, softer raspberry liqueur flavors. The result is a French martini with a stronger bite.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- ¼ ounce raspberry liqueur
- 1½ ounces pineapple juice
- Ice
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
You simply can't make this French martini without using a French raspberry liqueur. Stay true to the name by using any of the following: Chambord, Lejay Crème de Framboise, or Mathilde Framboise.
French Cocktail Variations
The French martini has a fairly set recipe, but don't fret. You can still swap and play as you build your cocktail.
- Some modern recipes call for crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, instead of raspberry liqueur.
- For a boozier cocktail, add pineapple liqueur instead of pineapple juice.
- Consider flavored vodka instead of plain, such as lemon, pomegranate, or vanilla.
- Serve on the rocks, adding an extra ounce of pineapple juice.
- Different brands and styles of vodka will alter the overall profile of the martini. Experiment to find which is best for your French martini.
Related: 11 Classic French Cocktail Recipes With Elegant Appeal
French Martini Garnishes
Unlike most cocktails, the French martini doesn't call for a garnish. But this is the perfect moment to shine and get creative with it.
- A lemon would add a balanced citrus touch. Do so with a wedge, wheel, or slice, as well as a peel or ribbon.
- Mirror the raspberry flavor by piercing one or three whole fresh raspberries on a cocktail skewer.
- Consider piercing raspberries and lemon together. Whether a twirled lemon peel or a lemon slice, the color contrast is a gorgeous touch.
- Likewise, a pineapple wedge would pair well with a fresh raspberry or two.
- Consider using all three: wrapping a pineapple wedge in a lemon peel, then placing the raspberry on top, and securing the three with a skewer.
- To add an over-the-top and tropical garnish, include a pineapple leaf.
Tchin-Tchin!
Despite this martini's young life, it carries itself as though it was first stirred up a hundred years ago. So whether you prefer modern or classic cocktails, get the best of both worlds with the French martini and other French cocktails.
