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French Martini

Contemporary classic · Elevenses/afternoon · Fruity (e.g. Pornstar Martini)

4.0 227 ratings

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Black raspberry liqueur
1 1/4 oz Pineapple juice

How to make

Serve in a martini glass

Prepare

  1. 1 Select and pre-chill a MARTINI GLASS.
  2. 2 Prepare garnish of pineapple wedge on raspberry.

Method

  1. 3 SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
  2. 4 FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. 5 Garnish with a pineapple wedge on rim or float raspberry in centre of cocktail.

Flavour profile

16.0% alc./vol. · 1.2 standard drinks · 172 calories

History

Easy to drink and very fruity. Not truly a Martini, yet when well-made, this easy-drinking, vodka cocktail with pineapple and raspberry is hard not to like. For larger glassware, a one-third larger version of the above recipe is as follows: - 60ml (1oz) Vodka - 20ml (⅓oz) Black raspberry liqueur - 50ml (1⅔oz) Pineapple juice

The French Martini follows a simple formula: 1½ parts base spirit (vodka), ½ part modifier (liqueur), and 1¼ juice. Vodka, particularly in the late 1980s and 1990s when this cocktail emerged, held broad consumer appeal. Pineapple is essential for its flavor and frothy, yet not heavy, texture. Contrary to some beliefs, the Chambord liqueur brand did not invent the French Martini as a marketing ploy, although the cocktail has undoubtedly boosted the liqueur's popularity. Named for its use of French blackberry and raspberry liqueur and served in a V-shaped glass, this "Neo-Martini" contains no vermouth and differs greatly from a traditional Martini. However, in the late 1980s, any drink served in a V-shaped glass in New York City was often called a Martini. In 1996, Dale DeGroff added the French Martini to the menu at Keith McNally's vodka-focused bar, Pravda, in New York. Its popularity grew significantly later that year when it appeared at McNally's acclaimed Balthazar restaurant in New York's Soho. By 1997-1998, the French Martini was featured on the menu at London's trendy Met Bar, a popular spot for celebrities that embraced this style of fruity, vodka-based cocktail, referred to as "fresh fruit Martinis." Dick Bradsell, then a highly influential bartender in Europe, made the author's first French Martini in November 1997 at London's Quo Vadis. In the December issue of CLASS magazine, the editor expressed enthusiasm: "My favourite Martini of the moment has to be the French Martini, a drink that looks set to be the hit cocktail of 1998. The French Martini resembles a Sex on the Beach, but without the sex - i.e. no peach schnapps or melon liqueur". CLASS, a new magazine seeking funding, found a reciprocal benefit in this cocktail. The author approached both the UK distributors of Chambord and Absolut Vodka, who were seeking a promotional drink, to jointly sponsor an advertisement. This advertisement debuted in the December issue and ran for several months, thus helping to establish the magazine and, in turn, the cocktail in the UK.

Also known as Flirtini