This French martini is vibrant, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. All you need is vodka of choice, Chambord, and pineapple juice to make this sophisticated yet easy cocktail. It’s perfect for happy hour and dinner parties alike!
This is such an underrated cocktail. Most people don’t even know what I’m talking about when I say I’m going to make a French martini.
And while they may think its pale orange color is pretty once they see it, they’re not exactly convinced it’s going to be particularly good.
It’s true, the raspberry flavor is subtle, but in combination with vodka and pineapple juice, it creates a cocktail so scrumptious, you’ll want to make (and drink!) more than one.
In fact, this might even become one of the best-loved martini recipes in your cocktail repertoire, the way it did with mine.
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A short history of the French martini
Invented in the 1980s at one of Keith McNally’s New York City bars, the French martini quickly spread to his other bars, where it became a sensation and one of the most popular cocktails of its time.
Helpful tips
- Want extra raspberry taste? Use my homemade, raspberry-infused vodka for a kick of extra flavor.
- I’ve been known to garnish this martini with citrus peel, but lately I prefer to use fresh raspberries on martini picks.
- Don’t have the budget for Chambord? No problem. There are plenty of more affordable raspberry liqueurs available that you can substitute.
- Want your cocktail to stay colder a little longer? Use a martini glass that’s been chilled in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
How to make the French martini recipe
Pre-step
Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also get a measuring glass and your glassware. I use one martini glass and one coupe glass.
After measuring out the ingredients, add them to the cocktail shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – Black raspberry liqueur, like Chambord, vodka, and pineapple juice. (A)
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of vodka. (B)
Step three
Measure 1 ounce of black raspberry liqueur. (C)
Step four
Measure 2.5 ounces of pineapple juice. (D)
Step five
Cap the shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Strain, divide and pour the liquid into the glasses.
Step six
Place 3 fresh raspberries on each martini pick.
Step seven
Add the raspberry garnish to each cocktail.
Look at that color! Gorgeous.
Here’s one vertical view.
Mmm. It is so delicious!
I hope you enjoyed French martini cocktail recipe.
Other Chambord cocktail recipes
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
French Martini Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Chambord
- 2.5 ounces pineapple juice
Garnish
- 6 fresh raspberries (3 on each martini pick)
Instructions
Make It!
- Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice.4 ounces vodka, 1 ounce Chambord, 2.5 ounces pineapple juice
- Cap shaker and shake at least 15 seconds.
- Strain into glass and add the raspberry garnish to each glass.6 fresh raspberries
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- Want extra raspberry taste? Use my homemade, raspberry-infused vodka for a kick of extra flavor.
- I’ve been known to garnish this martini with citrus peel, but lately I prefer to use fresh raspberries on martini picks.
- Don’t have the budget for Chambord? No problem. There are plenty of more affordable raspberry liqueurs available that you can substitute.
- Want your cocktail to stay colder a little longer? Use a martini glass that’s been chilled in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
Beth
This sounds like if I had 1 I would be on my butt! I love this pick on that board!! Looks fantastic!
Elaine
Thanks Beth!! It’s a yummy drink đŸ™‚
Luci's Morsels
This sounds pretty yummy! I will have to try this one. This would be perfect for a small gathering of friends and a night in.
Elaine
It is really fun and yummy, Luci!
rika
Very beautiful drink! I have never tried this flavor combo, looks so refreshing!
Elaine
Thanks Rika!
Sandi
You remind me of how much I love Chambord. I would do the cancan for a drink đŸ™‚
Elaine
I want to see that Sandi!! Don’t forget the frilly lace đŸ™‚
Tina Snyder
Wow! This sounds fantastic:) I really like the use of pineapple juice, saving for later.
Elaine
Thank you Tina!
Sarah
Love the color! Love the name! Love the flavors in this! Absolutely can’t wait to try! XO
Elaine
Thanks so much Sarah!!
Caroline
This looks wonderful. I can’t wait to try it with my new favorite vodka, Cirrus. It makes every cocktail I’ve had even smoother!
Elaine
Yay Caroline. I should try Cirrus!! Thanks for commenting!
Chris
Very fun post! Most creative, indeed.
Elaine
Thanks Chris!
Gabby | The Tolerant Table
I’m a recent convert to martinis so I shall give this one a try! I can totally see a cancan dancers skirt here. And what a wonderful reunion you had! Very lucky they found you ????
Elaine
Lol! Thanks Gabby.
Anjali
This was such an easy and refreshing cocktail to make for the guests we had over this weekend! Everyone loved it!
Elaine
I’m so glad to hear that. Thanks so much, Anjali!
Artney
I made this refreshing martini a few weekends back and loved it! Decided we were going to make it again for an upcoming dinner party!
Elaine
Yay! Thanks for letting me know Artney! I appreciate it.
Patty at Spoonabilities
I love experimenting with new cocktail recipes! This sounds delicious!!
Elaine
Thanks Patty! I appreciate it.
Sharon
Whenever I want a classic cocktail, I’m going to be reaching for this tasty drink. I love the pineapple juice in it.
Elaine
Thanks, Sharon! I love pineapple juice in cocktails!!