French Martini
An icon of the 1980s cocktail renaissance, the French Martini is a simple, fruity, and elegant drink. Despite its name, it's not a true martini but a delicious vodka sour that gets its character from black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- ½ oz Black Raspberry Liqueur (Chambord)
- 1 ½ oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
- Garnish: Lemon Twist or a raspberry
Instructions
- Chill Your Glass: Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer until it is very cold.
- Combine and Shake: Add the vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake Vigorously: Shake very hard for about 15 seconds. The pineapple juice will create a beautiful, fine foam when shaken vigorously.
- Strain: Strain the frothy mixture into your chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a fresh lemon twist or a single fresh raspberry.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Use Chambord: The classic recipe specifically calls for Chambord, a French black raspberry liqueur. Its rich, deep berry flavor is the heart of the cocktail. Other raspberry liqueurs can be substituted, but Chambord provides the authentic taste.
The Pineapple Foam: The signature of a well-made French Martini is the frothy head. This is created by the natural enzymes in pineapple juice. For the best foam, use fresh, high-quality pineapple juice and shake the cocktail vigorously.