Raspberry liqueur, pineapple and vodka make for a sweet, fruit-forward French martini.Now TrendingGet out those triangle martini glasses, because it’s time to make a French martini, the fun and fruity throwback to the heydays of the 90s martini craze. With sweet, tart flavors and a charming golden color, it is guaranteed to have your guests calling for another round.What is a French martini?The French martini is a modern cocktail, made with vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice, that became popular in the 1980s at Balthazar in New York City. Unlike the classic martini (a cocktail usually made with gin and vermouth) this “French” version of the martini is a drink from the ‘tini era, a time when many cocktails were sweet and fruity, and they were all served in martini glasses. Despite the fact that they had nothing in common with the classic, they all seemed to be called martinis. While the days of three-page martini menus may have passed, this cocktail has stuck around, probably because of its good looks and tantalizing tastiness.What is Chambord?Chambord is a unique and luxurious liqueur made with raspberries, blackberries, black currants, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey and Cognac. Inspired by a 17th-century berry liqueur recipe, Chambord was first produced in 1982. To this day, it is made from all-natural ingredients in the Loire Valley in France (it gets its name from one of the region’s most famous castles, the Château de Chambord, where raspberry liqueur was said to have been consumed by King Louis XIV). All out of Chambord? Try creme de cassis. Its rich black currant flavors can seamlessly take Chambord’s place in the French martini cocktail recipe.French Martini IngredientsVodka: Vodka is the canvas, and the rest of the ingredients are the paint. Since vodka is made from grains, there are many flavored options available, but the best vodka for this cocktail is one with clean, neutral flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.Chambord: Is it the bountiful berry flavor, the plush purple color or the balanced sweetness we love most? Good thing we don’t have to choose, since Chambord brings all three elements to this cocktail.Pineapple Juice: The pineapple juice adds some much-needed acid to balance the sweetness of the Chambord, plus a little tropical sweetness of its own. Juicing pineapple is hard work, but the payoff in taste might be worth it. (Psst: If you’re like me and get an itchy tongue at the mere thought of pineapple, try this salt water hack!)DirectionsStep 1: Shake the ingredientsTMB STUDIOFill a shaker half full with ice. Add the vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord. Cover and shake the cocktail until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker.Editor’s Tip: This French martini recipe works best with a good, long shake (about 20 seconds) to foam the pineapple juice, aerate the ingredients and blend them together.Step 2: Strain the cocktailTMB STUDIOStrain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. The resulting drink should be a beautiful, pale pinkish yellow color with a slight froth on top.Editor’s Tip: To keep your cocktail cold longer, chill your martini glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving.Step 3: Garnish the cocktailTMB STUDIOGarnish your French martini with a raspberry or a twist of lemon peel for the perfect finishing touch.TMB STUDIOFrench Martini VariationsServe it on the rocks: This cocktail also works great over ice. The dilution makes it a little less strong but even more refreshing.Give it a dose of citrus: Looking for a little more zip? Replace a portion of the pineapple juice with a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist.Use flavored vodka: Experiment with a raspberry vodka from brands like Stoli or Absolut. Or forge your own flavor path and try something completely different, like Grey Goose Essences Watermelon and Basil.Can you make French martinis ahead of time?Sure thing! Find a good-sized pitcher and mix the vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord up to 24 hours ahead of time. When your guests arrive, shake the mixture with ice and then serve ’em up in your chilled glasses.French Martini TipsTMB STUDIOWhat type of glass do you use for a French Martini?Of all the types of cocktail glasses, the most appropriate for the French martini is the iconic 90s triangle martini glass. Vintage coupes are always an option but lack the kitschy nostalgia of the old triangle stems.What can you serve with a French Martini?With this much fruit in play, some great food pairings might include a charcuterie board or fruit and cheese skewers for cocktail hour or a light snack. As for me, I love making brie recipes with this cocktail.Watch How to Make French MartiniTest Kitchen ApprovedFrench MartiniPrep Time5 minYield1 servingIngredients2 ounces vodka1-1/2 ounces pineapple juice1/2 ounce Chambord Fresh raspberries, optionalDirectionsFill a shaker half full with ice. Add vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord; cover and shake until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into martini glass. If desired, garnish with raspberries.Nutrition Facts1 serving: 205 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.Pretty, fruity and perfectly balanced, it’s no wonder this martini was made an instant classic in the 1980s at the famed New York City bar Balthazar. The sophisticated sipper features vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord, a luscious French raspberry liqueur. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
French Martini
