A French martini combines vodka with pineapple juice and Chambord liqueur. It's an easy and classic martini to make. This drink is one that everyone will enjoy no matter what time of year it's served!
Classic French Martini Recipe
If you've never had the pleasure of sipping on this classic French martini cocktail, then you're about to be treated to an amazing drink! It's an incredibly easy-to-make cocktail but your ingredients do matter. 🙂
I highly suggest treating yourself to the Chambord, with creme de cassis being the next best option. Of course, the raspberry juice works in a pinch but your drink, while still wonderful, will be lacking that special ingredient!
Break out the good Chambord liqueur and shake up this rich and fruity drink!
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🌎 Origin
Invented in the 1980s by restaurateur Keith McNally and served at McNally's Balthazar in Manhattan, NY. The restaurant is still serving the French Martini to this day alongside its French cuisine!
The restaurant's website menu lists the ingredients as Absolut Elyx Vodka, Lejay Crème de Cassis, pineapple, and lemon. However, we feel that the Chambord is an essential part of what makes a 'French' martini.
🍹 French Martini Ingredients
Just a few favorite ingredients are needed to serve up this tasty vodka cocktail!
- Ice (enough to fill your shaker at least hall full)
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 1 ounce Pineapple Juice
- ½ ounce Chambord (or see variations noted below)
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🍸 How To Make A French Martini
This classic cocktail is simple to make - just shake with ice and strain!
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, and ½ an ounce of Chambord.
- Shake for 20 seconds or until very cold.
- Strain into a martini glass, garnish if desired with a raspberry or lime.
🥂 Cocktail Tips & Variations
- Go with high quality booze!
- Try with Vanilla Vodka or Pink Whitney for an amazing cocktail.
- Don't skip the Chambord. Although pricey, its distinctive black raspberry, vanilla, and citrus flavor is totally worth it.
- Shake until very cold!
- Chambord substitutes: an equal amount of raspberry juice or creme de cassis (a black currant liqueur that is slightly less sweet). Or use 1 teaspoon of raspberry extract for each 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) of Chambord. In this case, for each cocktail, use ¼ teaspoon raspberry extract to substitute the ½ ounce of Chambord.
- To Make A 'Very French Martini', swap out the vodka for cognac. Yum!
🍲 What Foods To Serve With A Martini
This French Martini is amazing with a steak dinner or after! Try pairing it with some of these food items:
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📖 Recipe Card
French Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord.
- Shake for 20 seconds.
- Strain into a martini glass, garnish if desired with a raspberry or lime.
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