French Martini

The FRENCH MARTINI is a mild, pineapple-flavored cocktail born out of the 1980’s. Mix vodka with raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice to produce a frothy brunch drink or a light and fruity evening cocktail. Dry gin can be switched out with the vodka if preferred. Both work equally well. Chambord is the preferred black raspberry liqueur, although an update to the recipe suggests creme de cassis instead.

Requirements: vodka (or dry gin), raspberry liqueur (Chambord or creme de cassis preferred), pineapple juice, lemon wedge

• 2 oz. vodka (or gin)
• 1/2 oz. raspberry liqueur (or 1/4 oz. creme de cassis)
• 1.5 oz. pineapple juice

Combine ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge/wheel.

Comments: Since there are a few options when making the French Martini (I used Mathilde French raspberry liquor), there’s flexibility when gathering its minimal ingredients. Whether it’s with vodka or gin is your choice. Gin offers a slight botanical twist to the flavor.

This drink came out of the period when “-tini” was added to the end of the name when a sweet vodka or gin drink was served straight up in a martini glass (e.g., appletini, pomegranate martini). It’s not a traditional martini.

Similar Cocktails:

Matcha Gin Martini – https://keetscocktails.com/matcha-gin/

Cosmopolitan – https://keetscocktails.com/cosmopolitan-cosmo-2/

French 75 – https://keetscocktails.com/french-75/