HOME › co*cktail Recipes › Vodka
By Shawn Williams
5 from 1 vote
Sep 28, 2019, Updated Jan 05, 2024
Jump to Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The French Martini is a contemporary classic co*cktail made with vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice. It’s a unique and fruity co*cktail with tropical vibes thanks to the pineapple and raspberry liqueur.
The French Martini is technically a spinoff of a classic vodka martini (see Tuxedo No. 2 co*cktail for a better twist on the classic gin martini). While the original martini was made with gin, vodka is often used in its place.
The French Martini was created in the 1980s by New York bartender Allen Katz. It’s an interesting co*cktail that’s fruity and balanced if made properly. Even if you aren’t a vodka lover, you’ll still appreciate this co*cktail.
If you enjoyed this co*cktail, also try some of my other vodka recipes such as the Cosmopolitan co*cktail, the popular pear martini, and my delicious blueberry martini.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- co*cktail Variations
- How to Make a French Martini
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Vodka co*cktails
- French Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- Vodka: the base spirit for this recipe. This can be easily adjusted by using more or less to make the co*cktail boozier or sweeter.
- Pineapple Juice: I like Dole 100% pineapple juice sold in small cans. It’s perfect for co*cktails and less wasteful. Make a Piña Colada with the leftover pineapple juice!
- Chambord: a French raspberry liqueur made fromredandblack raspberries, Madagascar vanilla, citruspeel,honey,andcognac. It’s a nice blend of flavor, booze, and raspberry sweetness.
co*cktail Variations
If you browse online you’ll find numerous variations of this co*cktail with differing parts for each ingredient. The key to the perfect French Martini is striking a balance between the pineapple juice and Chambord. You want to be able to appreciate both without one overpowering the other.
I experimented with several variations and came up with a co*cktail that is right down the middle in terms of flavor, sweetness, and a subtle boozy backbone. I encourage you to explore adding more or less to see what you like the best.
How to Make a French Martini
Step 1.
Combine vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord in a co*cktail shaker with a large cup of ice.
Step 2.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
Step 3.
Float a halved raspberry on top of the foam and serve. The pineapple juice should create a foamy collar strong enough to hold a halved raspberry.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
- This co*cktail is best served in a small coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
- Always double-strain shaken co*cktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the co*cktail as it warms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there egg white in a French Martini?
No, the pineapple juice tends to get foamy as it’s shaken, resembling a co*cktail made with egg white.
What’s the difference between a martini and a French Martini?
A French Martini is a vodka martini made with raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. A classic martini is typically gin and vermouth.
What is the difference between a French 75 and a French Martini?
A French 75 is a gin-based co*cktail made with gin, lemon juice, and Champagne.
More Vodka co*cktails
Passion Fruit Martini Recipe
Pear Martini with Elderflower Liqueur Recipe
Cosmopolitan co*cktail Recipe
Blueberry Martini Recipe
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this co*cktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!
5 from 1 vote
French Martini Recipe
By: Shawn Williams
Servings: 1 co*cktail
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
Save
The French martini a fruity co*cktail with notes of vanilla, orange, and pineapple. It’s made with vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces pineapple juice, I like Dole 100% pineapple juice
- 1 ounce Chambord raspberry liqueur
- raspberry garnish, sliced in half
Instructions
Combine vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord in a co*cktail shaker with a large cup of ice.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
Float a halved raspberry on top of the foam and serve.
Notes
Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
This co*cktail is best served in a small coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
Always double-strain shaken co*cktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the co*cktail as it warms.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 19.3gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSodium: 2mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 17.7g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: co*cktail
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!