Learn How The French Martini Kicked Off The Cocktail Revival

The French Martini is a chic, fruit-forward cocktail that emerged in the late 1980s, famously popularized by restaurateur Keith McNally in New York City. It's believed to have been created at one of his bars before appearing on the menu of his hugely popular SoHo brasserie, Balthazar, when it opened in 1996. Despite its name, it's not a traditional Martini as it contains no vermouth; the "French" moniker comes from its key ingredient, Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur from France. Its smooth, sweet-tart taste and appealing pink hue quickly made it a star of the modern cocktail revival and a favorite for those seeking an elegant, accessible drink.

French Martini Ingredients

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1/2 oz Chambord Liqueur (or other high-quality black raspberry liqueur)
• 1 1/2 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
• Fresh Raspberry or Lemon Twist (garnish)

How to Make a French Martini

1. Chill your coupe or martini glass thoroughly.
2. Add the vodka, Chambord liqueur, and fresh pineapple juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Double strain the mixture into the chilled glass to ensure a smooth, frothy texture.
5. Garnish with a fresh raspberry dropped into the drink or a lemon twist (express the oils over the drink before placing).

For the best French Martini, always use fresh pineapple juice; the enzymes in fresh juice are what create the desirable frothy head when shaken. Canned or bottled juice will result in a flatter drink. The quality of your vodka and raspberry liqueur will also significantly impact the final taste. Shaking with good quality ice and for the right amount of time ensures the drink is perfectly chilled and aerated and is also crucial to creating the signature foamy top from the pineapple juice.

French Martini Riff

While the core French Martini recipe is fairly standard, some enjoy a slightly tarter drink by adding a tiny squeeze of fresh lime juice, about 1/4 oz, before shaking. For a richer raspberry flavor, you can slightly increase the Chambord, but be mindful that this will also increase sweetness.