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December 15, 2021 By Karen

French Martini

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This classic French Martini recipe is a timeless cocktail perfect all year long. It is made with vodka, raspberry liquor and pineapple juice. The result is a smooth and fruity sipper that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Two glasses of french martini on the table with the ingredients behind it.

This recipe first appeared on Savory Experiments where I am a contributor.

If you are a fan of cocktail hour, chances are you have come across a French Martini on a menu at some point and there is good reason! This fruity martini is a classic!

The French Martini or French twist martini was invented in the 1980's at one of Keith McNally's bars. It's popularity grew and it is now available on practically any cocktail bar menu.

The best part is, despite the fancy name. it's incredibly easy to make. With just three ingredients, you're just a pour, shake (or stir!) away from cocktail hour at home.

Other fun cocktails you can make easily at home are a Classic Mimosa or take it up a notch for special occasions and holidays with a Pomegranate Mimosa.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Garnish for a French Twist Martini
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Paring Suggestions
  • Expert Tips and FAQ
  • More Fun Drink Recipes
  • Classic French Martini

Ingredients

You will need just three ingredients to get started! They are pretty readily available and easy to find at your local grocery store or liquor store.

Ingredients to make a french martini on the table.
  • Vodka: Use high quality vodka for best results.
  • Chambord Liqueur: Chambord is a premium black raspberry liqueur. Chambord is highly reccomended for this recipe. It is expensive, but worth every penny. Since you will likely have some leftover, I suggest tryign out this Chambord and Champagne Cocktail next!
  • Pineapple Juice: 100% pineapple juice is best and even better, fresh pineapple juice if you can get it!

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Start by gathering all your ingredients and some simple equipment.

For equipment to make this recipe, you will need:

  • Jigger: this will help you measure out the liquors. Any kind of measuring cup will do.
  • Shaker: I love the glass so I can see how everything is blending but you can use a stainless one too.
  • Martini Glass: Whether you use a classic stem glass or go with modern stemless, enjoying this drink in a martini glass is a must!

Once you have gathered all your ingredients and supplies, start by filling your cocktail shaker with ice.

Measure out the vodka and pour into the shaker over the ice. Next, add the Chambord and pineapple juice.

Pouring the vodka into the glass.
Adding the chambord to the glass.
Adding the pineapple juice to the shaker.

Return the lid to the shaker and give everything a good shake. You don't need to go crazy, just enough to combine everything and allow the ice to chill the mixture.

Pour your freshly made cocktail into your martini glasses. Top with garnishes if desired and serve.

Garnish for a French Twist Martini

A French Twist Martini will taste great as it is, but if you want to take it up a notch you can add some fun garnishes. 

Traditionally, the French Martini garnish is a lemon twist and fresh raspberry.

Here's how to make a lemon twist:

Make a slice of lemon and cut around the rind. Then wrap the rind around a straw or toothpick and hold in place for about a minute. 

Place the lemon twist on the edge of glass or let it float on the top of the martini.

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 every time you take a sip. 

Variations

I love a classic French Martini cocktail, but if you are looking to change things up you can make the following changes:

  1. Use flavored vodka. Try berry, raspberry or pineapple for an extra fruity punch of flavor. 
  2. Add some bubbly for a French Martini with champagne!
  3. Flavor the rim of the glass for your Chambord martini with fruit. Drag pineapple, lemon or raspberry around the rim for extra flavor with each sip. 
  4. Make a French Martini with gin! Swap out the vodka for gin if you prefer.
  5. Try a Frozen French Martini. Use frozen pineapple juice and blend for an extra chilly sipper.

Storage

Cocktails are always best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to make this in advance I would combine the liquors and juice in the shaker and store without the ice.

Then when you're ready for your cocktail, add ice to the shaker right before you shake and serve. Otherwise, you will end up with a watery cocktail.

If you are serving for a crowd, it may be best to set up a DIY serving station rather than try to make a large quantity. As with any cocktail, the ingredients can settle and separate.

Paring Suggestions

This 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 comparing or contrasting the overall flavors of the drink.

Complementary Paring Suggestions

Complementary flavors for this cocktail would be sweet, deep, rich berry flavors or recipes that are sweet and contain raspberries or pineapple.

  • Air Fryer Pineapple
  • Cranberry Pork Tenderloin
  • Cranberry Bars

Contrasting Pairing Suggestions

Contrasting flavors that may compliment this cocktail would be something simple, but salty and spicy. Because of the pineapple juice base, asian appetizers would be ideal.

  • Asian Turkey Meatballs
  • Beef Wellington
  • Simple Grilled Salmon

Expert Tips and FAQ

Choose a high quality vodka for this recipe.

Use Chambord for the black raspberry liquor, other brands just don't compare!

Use 100% pineapple juice and stay away from cocktails or juices made from concentrate.

Can I make a French Martini drink without vodka?

Yes, for a more mild take on this cocktail, you can mix Chambord with pineapple juice and skip the vodka.

Shake or Stir?

When it comes to making martinis, this is the question on everyones' mind! It comes down to personal preference. The French Twist Martini is equally delicious, both shaken and stirred.

Can I serve this with ice?

Traditionally, a French Martini is chilled by mixing with ice and then pouring straight up. It is not typically served with ice in the glass since as the ice melts, it dilutes the drink and changes the flavors.

Close up of two glasses of french martinis on the table with a lemon twist on the glass.

More Fun Drink Recipes

  • Chambord and Champagne
  • Mulled Wine Recipe
  • Homemade Bailey's Irish Cream Recipe

Did you try this recipe?  Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!

Two french twist martinis on the table with ingredients behind it.

Classic French Martini

Serve up a classic French Martini with chambord for a timeless cocktail perfect all year long. It is made with vodka, raspberry liquor and pineapple juice for a smooth and fruity filled cocktail that's only 3 ingredients and incredibly easy to make!
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Drink
Cuisine: French
Keyword: french martini, french martini recipe, french twist martini
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 197kcal
Author: Karen

Equipment

  • Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Martini glass

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • ½ ounce chambord liqueur
  • 1 ½ ounces pineapple juice
  • Optional: lemon twist and raspberry for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Add all ingredients, replace the lid and shake until well mixed.
  • Pour into frosted martini glasses and garnish with lemon twist and fresh raspberry.

Notes

Expert Tips for Making a French Martini:
Choose a high quality vodka for this recipe.
Use Chambord for the black raspberry liquor, other brands just don't compare!
Use 100% pineapple juice and stay away from cocktails or juices made from concentrate.

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Pin It and Save It for Later!!Mention @FreshCoastEats or tag #freshcoasteats!
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Hi, I'm Karen! I’m a food stylist, photographer and recipe developer living in the Great Lakes area with my husband and four kids. I can’t wait for you to try my simple, clean, produce driven recipes inspired by the four seasons 

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