French Martini Cocktail Recipe

Looking for an easy and elegant cocktail to impress your guests? Look no further than the classic cocktail recipe for the French Martini.

This fruity Martini is simple to make but packs a lot of flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion. From Brunch to Valentine’s Day, you can’t go wrong. Ready to give it a try? Read on for recipe details.

The French Martini recipe was invented in the 80s by restauranteur Keith McNally at the New York City bar called McNally’s. Its name comes from the fact that it is made with the French Liqueur Chambord. This fruity cocktail is easy to drink and not too sweet.

Chambord liqueur is a black raspberry-flavored liqueur that adds great flavor to all your favorite cocktails.

WHAT IS A FRENCH MARTINI?

A French Martini is a vodka martini with a sweet twist. The addition of pineapple juice and Chambord give this martini recipe a subtle pink hue and a subtle sweetness that is absolutely delicious.

Keep in mind that while this drink is considered a sweet martini it’s actually not an overly sweet cocktail. Its flavors are very balanced. So, if you’re like me and don’t love a syrupy sweet cocktail then you are going to love this recipe.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• High-quality vodka. If you want to keep this cocktail as French as possible, you can use French vodka such as Ciroc.
• Pineapple juice. Fresh pineapple juice is best if you have it. If not, my favorite is the classic canned Dole pineapple juice.
• Chambord. Is a french raspberry liqueur and it’s the special ingredient in this martini recipe.
• Crushed ice. Crushed ice is what gives the shaken martini its icy cold mouthfeel.
• Fresh raspberries. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

HOW TO MAKE A FRENCH MARTINI

Let’s get started and make this amazing drink. I hope you’re thirsty.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
2. Add the vodka, raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.
3. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass.

WHAT IS CHAMBORD? IS IT WORTH THE COST?

Chambord is a raspberry-flavored liqueur that hit the cocktail scene in 1981. Its signature flavor is based on a recipe that dates back to the 1600s from the Loire Valley of France.

Using 3-stages of juice in its production process to get every molecule of flavor extracted from each berry. The signature process has made Chambord a sought-after ingredient in many cocktail and dessert recipes.

And just like the 80s, it’s always in style.

WHAT CAN YOU USE INSTEAD OF CHAMBORD?

If you don’t have Chambord on hand you can also use Creme de Cassis or another brand of black raspberry liqueur.

Creme de cassis is black currant liqueur that is used in a lot of classic cocktail recipes like the Kir Royale.

WHEN TO SERVE A FRENCH MARTINI

You can serve this sophisticated cocktail for almost any occasion. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s also delicious. Just be careful because these sweet cocktails are super easy drinking.

• Valentine’s Day – The pink color of this drink and the raspberry garnish make this cocktail a perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail.
• Brunch – Oh yeah, this cocktail is perfect for brunch.
• Cocktail Parties.
• New Year’s Eve.
• Game Night at Home.

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE PERFECT MARTINI

• Chill the vodka. Martinis should be ice cold. You can store vodka in the freezer to make sure it’s as cold as possible.
• Chill the martini glasses. Chilled glasses are absolutely essential for the best martinis.
• Use crushed ice. Martinis are shaken over crushed ice. The crushed ice is an important component of the mouthfeel of a perfectly mixed martini.
• Garnish with frozen berries. Frozen raspberries work best in this recipe so freeze them for at least an hour before serving.

FAVORITE MARTINI RECIPES

• Lemon Drop Martini
• Pineapple Martini

Other Cocktails That You’ll Love