French Martini Recipe - Daily Appetite (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients of a French Martini? ›

Begin with a London dry-style gin. From there, add a little dry vermouth. The ratio is negotiable, but common formulas for a Dry Martini typically fall in the range of four-to-eight parts gin to one part vermouth. A dash of orange bitters ties the room together.

Several companies produce raspberry liqueur, though most don't have the extra flavors that add to Chambord's complex taste. You can also use crème de cassis (blackcurrant) or crème de mûre (blackberry) as substitutes, or make your own.

This famous co*cktail is served in the iconic V-shaped glass that shares its name, and is always served very cold with an olive garnish. The French martini is a decidedly different drink. It's a sweeter, fruity co*cktail with no vermouth, no olive, and no gin—but it's served in a martini glass.

Once you have consumed two, you must move on to a soft drink, such as wine or a gin and tonic. The reasons for this are obvious and I try to adhere to this rule at home. The rule is defended most enduringly (and elegantly) at Duke's Bar in Central London, where years of experience … Continue reading.

Dry, Perfect, or Wet

A classic martini, or a wet martini, is when you prefer an equal ratio of gin and dry vermouth. A “perfect” martini on the other hand is made with equal parts dry and sweet vermouth and then mixed with vodka or gin.

In all martinis, you're looking to complement your spirit with your garnish rather than overpower. Never is this more important than with citrus. Gin and vodka are perfect partners for citrus, the oils brightening the spirits, adding freshness and zing.

The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of co*cktail olives, has been added to the drink. An olive garnish is typically assumed, too. Most bars add equal parts vermouth and brine, though you can specify 'extra dirty' or 'filthy' if you prefer more brine.

Perfect Martini

Calls for 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce dry vermouth, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, ½ ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and 2 dashes Angostura Bitters. Serve with a lemon twist.

Why is it called a French Martini? ›

The name French Martini comes from one of the drink's main ingredients, Chambord liqueur. Chambord liqueur is a raspberry liqueur that originated from the Loire Valley of France. By the mid 1950s, the French Martini co*cktail was all over martini menus worldwide.

Once opened, Chambord will slowly oxidize and lose it's flavor and change color over time. Use Chambord within about 6 months of opening (we've got lots of co*cktail recipes you can use it in) and store it in a cool dark place (refrigeration is not necessary).

If your French Martini isn't pink, it might be because you didn't add enough Chambord, used lower-quality ingredients, improperly mixed the co*cktail, or used colored or opaque glassware.

Chambord is made from red and black raspberries, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey and XO cognac.

Is a French Martini the same as a French 75? The French Martini co*cktail is a fruity co*cktail with vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice. It is different than the French 75, which is an elegant co*cktail made of gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and champagne.

Stir together vodka, dry vermouth, brine, and olives in a mixing glass. Pour into a glass or shaker with ice. Serve on the rocks, or strain into chilled co*cktail glasses. Enjoy!