This classic French Martini recipe is a timeless cocktail perfect all year long with flavors of pineapple juice and raspberry liquor.
Don’t let the fancy name fool you, with just four ingredients, this martini recipe is incredibly easy to make at home! The fresh pineapple juice makes it a fruity cocktail that is perfect for gatherings of all kinds.
It’s a classic recipe that is full of raspberry flavor and great for any entertainer to have in their recipe box. Despite the simple ingredients, this classic martini has a flavor with a lot of depth.
What is a French Martini?
A true french martini is made with vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord. Chambord is the cornerstone of the cocktail and one of the reasons it got its name. If you’ve never had it, it’s a french raspberry liqueur. It’s used in several traditional martinis.
While it is usually served as a cocktail in a chilled martini glass, it also gained popularity as a shot using the same recipe.
The original recipe became popular in the late 1600s, but this amazing drink has only gained popularity since. It’s one of my favorite martini recipes.
What is Chambord?
Chambord is a french liqueur from the Loire Valley region in France. It is a cognac based raspberry liqueur made from red and black raspberries, citrus peel, vanilla and honey.
It has a beautiful deep berry color and a sweet berry flavor which makes it a wonderful addition to any of your favorite cocktails.
It adds a beautiful pinkish hue that makes this signature sweet cocktail even more desirable.
PRO TIP: You can Chambord at most premium spirit stores. It is a great addition for your bar and is used to make many popular cocktails.
How to Make a French Kiss Martini
Making a french martini is easier than it looks! Simply fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, pour the ingredients in. Give it a good shake and pour into chilled martini glasses.
You’ll Need:
- Vodka
- Chambord Liqueur
- Pineapple Juice
Don’t forget to top with classic garnishes before serving!
Garnishing Ideas
A french martini will taste great as it is, but if you want to take it up a notch you can add garnishes.
Traditionally, this martini is served with a lemon twist and fresh raspberry.
How to Make Lemon Twist
Making a lemon twist is extremely simple. Take a slice of lemon and cut around the rind. Then wrap the lemon peel around a straw or toothpick and hold in place for about a minute.
The lemon rind will not affect the flavor of the cocktail the same way a squeeze of fresh lemon would. It just imparts a very subtle and mild zesty aroma that compliments the raspberry liqueur everytime you take a sip.
It is also a bartending trick to add something with high fragrance to the rim of the glass so you get a nice whiff while sipping. This can dramatically change the flavor profile of a drink.
French Martini Variations
I love a classic french martini, but if you are looking to change things up you can make the following changes:
- Use flavored vodka. Try berry, raspberry vodka or pineapple for an extra fruity punch of flavor.
- Add a splash of champagne for a sparkling french martini. Simply follow the directions below, and then top your martini with 2 ounces of champagne or other sparkling wine.
- Flavor the rim of the glass with fruit juice. Drag pineapple, lemon or raspberry around the rim for extra flavor with each sip.
- Although traditionally made with tart pineapple juice, you could use raspberry juice from fresh raspberries or even juicy blackberries instead.
Pairing Suggestions
This French Martini cocktail is absolutely delicious on it’s own, but if you are looking to serve it with food I have a few suggestions for you.
When thinking about what foods to serve with cocktails, it is important to think of the flavor profile of the drink rather than the actual ingredients.
When you choose what dishes to serve, you should focus on either compare or contrast with the overall flavors of the drink.
Complementary Pairing Suggestions
Flavors that complement this cocktail would be sweet, deep, rich berry flavors or recipes that are sweet and contain raspberries or pineapple.
Complementary recipes to try:
More cocktails to try
Sparkling Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
White Chocolate Martini
Chocolate Martini
Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
French Martini Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- ½ ounce chambord liqueur
- 1 ½ ounces pineapple juice
- lemon twist and raspberry for garnish , optional
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, chambord and pineapple juice, replace the lid and shake until well mixed.
- Pour into frosted martini glasses and garnish with lemon twist and fresh raspberry.
- If you've tried this cocktail, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!
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We didn’t quite get the pretty color you did but the flavor was yum! Great classic martini recipe!
You know, I’ve never had a French Martini before but it sounds delicious. I’ll have to whip one up this weekend and give it a try!