This recipe is for all of the Chambord lovers out there. It’s something you’ve probably seen on many martini menus before. It’s a delicious and refreshing drink that is loaded with flavor. And this is called : “French Martini Recipe with Chambord.”
Now, it does have raspberry and pineapple in it, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a fruity cocktail. I’d call it a sophisticated cocktail with well balanced flavors.
Although the it’s name might make you think that it’s a classic cocktail that’s been around forever, that’s not true. It’s actually not even from France!
The original French Martini cocktail was developed in the late 1980s in New York City. It was rolled out by bar owner Keith McNally who named it the French Martini because it contained Chambord.
Unlike the classic recipe for a martini which is made with gin, the French Martini is a vodka cocktail that’s mixed with Chambord and pineapple juice.
I think you’ll love it.
What is Chambord?
Chambord is a French raspberry liqueur. It’s produced in the Loire Valley located in central France.
Chambord hit the market in the 1980s, so it’s a fairly new liqueur. However, its recipe is based on a sweet raspberry liqueur dating back to the 1600s.
The process of making Chambord is quite involved. It starts by macerating fresh raspberries and black raspberries in a neutral spirit. The neutral spirit is usually made from cereal grains, but can also be made with potatoes or grapes.
Eventually the spirit takes on the raspberry flavor and Madagascar vanilla, honey and cognac are added. What you end up with is a raspberry liquor with a lot of depth.
I’m about to teach you how to make the classic French Martini recipe so you can add it to your repertoire.
It’s nice when you can have such an easy recipe and create such an amazing drink.
Let’s go!
The Ingredients for a French Martini made with Chambord
You should be able to get all of the ingredients at your local liquor store or grocery store. For exact measurements please check out the recipe card below.
Chambord
This is important since Chambord is the star of the show in this drink. You can try substituting another raspberry liqueur, but you may not get the same results. If you can get your hands on it, use the Chambord raspberry liqueur.
I recommended some substitutes at the end of this article.
Vodka
I always recommend using a smooth vodka whenever you make a cocktail.
For this drink you don’t have to spend the money on the best vodka in the store, but get something good.
Since Grey Goose is a French vodka it would be a good choice for a French Martini. As long as you use a premium vodka brand you’ll be in good shape.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is an important ingredient in this drink. Most bars, including the Protective Club, use Dole pineapple juice.
If you want to get fancy and use fresh pineapple juice, make sure the pineapple is ripe. If it’s not ripe enough, the tart pineapple could affect the flavor of the cocktail.
Garnish
A simple lemon twist is all you need for a garnish on your French Martini.
How to Make a French Martini made with Chambord
When I make a French Martini, it’s pretty similar to the way I make most traditional martinis.
First I start with a cocktail shaker and add ice cubes.
Then I combine the vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord liqueur. I give it a really good shake. For the best results I like to shake it for at least 15 seconds.
After shaking it, I strain the contents of the shaker into a chilled martini glass.
Finally I finish it off with a lemon twist.
French Martini Made with Chambord FAQs
What are some other variations of the French Martini?
If you want to stray away from the original recipe for the French Martini you have some options. You can make a sparkling French Martini by topping it off with Champagne. You can also use vanilla vodka for some added flavor.
What are some good substitutes for Chambord?
If you can’t find a bottle of Chambord at the liquor store you can use Creme de Cassis or Framboise instead. If you can’t find those, any other raspberry liqueur or blackberry brandy can be used.
How does a French Martini differ from a classic martini?
Well, a real classic martini is made with gin and not vodka. If you want to compare it to a classic vodka martini, you would only use vodka and a small amount of dry vermouth. The French Martini is quite different.
What is the best way to serve a French Martini?
A French Martini is best served in a chilled martini glass, straight up. Sometimes you will see it served in a coupe glass. Martini glasses and coupe glasses can be interchangeable.
How to Make a French Martini with Chambord
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of Vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces of pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce of Chambord
- lemon twist
Instructions
- 1. Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker
- Pour in vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord
- Shake vigorously.
- Strain contents of the shaker into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Enjoy!