This cocktail is one of those smooth, easy sippers that never fails to impress. A French Martini blends vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice into a silky, fruity drink with a little tartness and a lot of charm. It’s not your traditional martini-but that’s part of its appeal. I’ve made this drink countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better every time.
French Martini
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glass: Martini or coupe glass
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka – Go for a smooth, clean brand you enjoy
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) Chambord – A rich raspberry liqueur with hints of vanilla and citrus
- 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice – Fresh if possible, for the brightest flavor
- Ice – For shaking
- Optional garnish: A raspberry or a lemon twist
Before You Start
– Chill your glass ahead of time-just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes.
– If you’re using bottled pineapple juice, give it a good shake first. It tends to separate.
– No Chambord? You can use another raspberry liqueur or even raspberry syrup in a pinch-just reduce the amount slightly if it’s sweeter.
How to Make It
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice.
- Shake it like you mean it-about 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold. That frothy top? It comes from shaking the pineapple juice well.
- Strain into your chilled glass.
- Add a garnish if you’d like-a raspberry on a skewer or a twist of lemon peel looks elegant and adds aroma.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– You can mix the ingredients (without ice) and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
– Just shake with ice right before serving to bring back the chill and froth.
– Don’t store it with ice-it’ll water down the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Cheese platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese balance the drink’s fruity sweetness.
- Dark chocolate: A square or two of 70% dark chocolate deepens the berry notes.
- Grilled prawns: Their smoky flavor plays well with the tropical pineapple and raspberry combo.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails-this one’s perfect when you want something light, a little sweet, and just fancy enough to make the evening feel special.
Tips for the Best French Martini
- Use fresh pineapple juice when you can-it really makes a difference in brightness and frothiness.
- Chill your glass-it keeps the drink cooler longer and adds that touch of cocktail bar polish.
- Shake well-pineapple juice is what gives the cocktail its foamy top, so shake with energy.
Variations to Try
Italian French Martini
- Swap Chambord for Limoncello to add a citrusy zing.
- Follow the same steps; the lemon pairs beautifully with pineapple.
Sparkling French Martini
- Add a splash of champagne after shaking and straining.
- Gives a festive, bubbly finish-great for celebrations.
Tropical French Martini
- Stir in 0.5 oz (15 ml) coconut cream before shaking.
- It creates a creamy, piña colada-style twist that’s still light and fruity.
Virgin French Martini (Mocktail)
- 1 oz (30 ml) raspberry syrup + 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a raspberry for a non-alcoholic treat.
Common Questions
Can I make a batch for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher without ice. Keep it chilled and shake individual servings with ice as needed.
What kind of vodka works best?
Use a smooth vodka you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be top shelf, but avoid overly harsh or flavored ones unless that’s your twist.
How do I get that frothy top?
It’s all in the shake-vigorously shaking pineapple juice with ice creates that creamy foam on top.
Can I use other fruit liqueurs?
Absolutely. Try peach schnapps, blackberry liqueur, or even elderflower for a different vibe.
What’s the best garnish?
A raspberry on a skewer is classic. A lemon twist adds brightness. Even a mint leaf works if you want a fresh touch.
Final Thoughts
The French Martini is one of those cocktails that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re mixing it up for a quiet night in or serving a tray at your next gathering, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s been my go-to cocktail for summer nights.
