The Bijou is Back! Rediscover This Pre-Prohibition Classic

June 04, 2026 | By Benjamin Smith
Bijou

Everything You Need to Know About the Bijou

Making its debut around the turn of the 1900s, the Bijou is a forgotten classic that deserves a place in every cocktail enthusiast's repertoire. Its name, French for "jewel," is a nod to its three main ingredients: gin (representing the diamond), sweet vermouth (the ruby), and Green Chartreuse (the emerald), with orange bitters added for good measure. This cocktail is a beautifully balanced sipper—herbaceous, slightly sweet, and aromatic—that was a favorite of bartenders in the pre-Prohibition era. Its intricate flavor profile is a fascinating peek into the complex tastes of a bygone era.

Bijou

Prep Time3 min
Yield1 Cocktail
Base SpiritGin

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 0.75 oz Green Chartreuse
  • 1 dash Orange Bitters
  • Lemon Twist, for garnish
  • Luxardo cherry, for garnish
The Bijou is Back! Rediscover This Pre-Prohibition Classic

Instructions

  1. Combine gin, vermouth, Chartreuse, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
  2. Stir for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and properly diluted.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist and Luxardo cherry.
Pro Tip
The quality of your ingredients is paramount here. The gin and Green Chartreuse are particularly important, as they provide the herbal and botanical backbone of the drink. A long, consistent stir is essential to achieve the perfect temperature and texture.

Bijou Riff

For a modern take, try a "White Bijou" by swapping Green Chartreuse for Yellow Chartreuse and sweet vermouth out for dry vermouth. This variation will result in a lighter and less aggressively herbal drink.

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Freeland Spirits Gin

Freeland Spirits Gin
$39.99

PDX Bitters Project Orange Bitters

PDX Bitters Project Orange Bitters
$6.00