History & Heritage
“Keith McNally's New York bars introduced the French Martini in the late 1980s, and Dale DeGroff helped propel it onto fashionable menus through the 1990s. Despite the name, its only French element is Chambord liqueur; the drink rode the flavored "tini" wave and became a symbol of the era's cosmopolitan nightlife before earning modern-classic status.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice to a shaker with ice
Shake vigorously until chilled and frothy
Double strain into a chilled martini glass
Garnish with a raspberry or lemon twist
Glassware
Served up in a chilled martini glass
Garnish
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use freshly pressed pineapple juice for a rich foam
Shake hard and double strain for a velvety texture
Chill glassware to keep the drink icy cold
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the French Martini.
IBA Standard
Uses a drier 3:1:1 ratio for a more spirit-forward profile.
Changes
Pineapple-Forward
Equal parts vodka and pineapple juice for a juicier sip.
Changes
Chambord-Heavy
Adds extra Chambord for deeper berry sweetness.
Changes
Very French Martini
Substitutes cognac for vodka to accentuate the French ingredients.
Changes
Francophile Martini
Adds gin and dry vermouth alongside vodka for a martini-style hybrid.
Changes
Mexican Martini
Replaces vodka with blanco tequila for an agave-driven twist.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Bay Breeze
Vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry, and pineapple juices for a tropical vodka highball.
Black Russian
A minimalist mix of vodka and coffee liqueur that delivers bold, roasty sweetness—essentially a White Russian without the cream.
Cape Codder
Vodka and cranberry juice built over ice for a tart, refreshing highball.