The French Martini is a classic cocktail that's both elegant and easy to make at home. Smooth vodka blends with sweet raspberry liqueur (traditionally Chambord) and bright pineapple juice for a fruity, slightly tart drink that's perfect for girls' night, date night, or weekend entertaining.
In this post, you'll get the authentic French Martini recipe, expert tips, substitution ideas, and a quick look at how it differs from the French 75.
🍸 Classic French Martini Ratio
2 oz Vodka
¾ oz Chambord (or raspberry liqueur)
1 oz Pineapple Juice
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a raspberry or twist.
Recipe Inspiration
The French Martini is one of my favorite classic cocktails. Originally created in New York City in the 1980s, it quickly became popular for its simple yet sophisticated flavor combination: vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord.
This sweet, fruit-forward martini is balanced by a subtle tartness from the pineapple and the smooth richness of French raspberry liqueur. It's elegant without being fussy, which makes it perfect for girls' night, date night, or entertaining.
You can even turn it into a batch cocktail - simply mix everything (without ice) and chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
If you're looking for more popular cocktails, check out our White Negroni, Sweet Basil, and Limoncello Spritz recipes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly elegant: Looks sophisticated, takes minutes to make.
- Sweet and smooth: Raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice create a fruity, balanced flavor.
- Perfect for entertaining: Ideal for girls' night, celebrations, or an elevated happy hour.
- Easy to customize: Adjust sweetness or add soda for a lighter twist.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this classic cocktail:
- Vodka - I like Grey Goose, but you can use any high quality vodka you have on hand
- Pineapple Juice - Use the freshest pineapple juice you can! You can substitute with lemon juice or lime juice if needed.
- Chambord Liqueur - Or any other raspberry liqueur, such as Creme de Cassis. You can find these in the liquor aisle of most grocery stores or liquor stores.
- Lemon - Or dehydrated citrus, for garnish
Directions
Let's make this delicious cocktail recipe together!
Shake
Add the vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liquor in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 10 seconds, until chilled.
Serve
This cocktail is served like traditional martinis, up. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Serve with a lemon twist or dehydrated citrus slice.
French Martini vs French 75
Base Spirit:
- French Martini: Vodka + raspberry liqueur
- French 75: Gin + Champagne
Taste Profile:
- French Martini: Fruity, sweet, tropical
- French 75: Bright, bubbly, citrus
Occasion:
- French Martini: Girls' night or dinner
- French 75: Brunch or celebrations
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Get Creative - Once you've tried a French Martini, you can experiment with different variations. You can use a vodka with raspberry flavor or vanilla vodka to add more flavor to the cocktail. You could also add some dry vermouth for a more classic vodka martini flavor.
- Use Correct Glassware - We recommend serving this cocktail up. The correct glass to serve this in is a martini glass. We recommend serving in one for the best drink experience!
- Juice - Use fresh pineapple juice for the freshest taste in your cocktail.
Chambord Substitutes
If you don't have Chambord, try:
- Raspberry syrup + a splash of red wine (budget option)
- Raspberry liqueur (e.g., Rothman & Winter)
- Blackberry liqueur
- Kirsch + simple syrup (less sweet)
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this classic sweet martini recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Cocktail Shaker - I recommend this cocktail shaker. It won't get stuck and it's super high quality!
- Martini Glass - Check out these beautiful martini glasses that will level up your home bar!
- Cocktail Bar Set - If you like home mixology, check out this bar set. You'll get best results for your home cocktails with all the right tools.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this classic recipe.
- Chambord Substitution - You can substitute Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur with Creme de Cassis or any other raspberry liqueur or black currant liqueur.
- Sparkling Drink - Make a sparkling French Martini by topping with an ounce of sparkling wine.
- Garnish - You vary the garnish by using fresh raspberries or some dried citrus.
Frequently Asked Questions
A French Martini earned it's name from the addition of French black raspberry liqueur to the cocktail.
The French Martini cocktail is a fruity cocktail with vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice. It is different than the French 75, which is an elegant cocktail made of gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and champagne.
Chambord is a raspberry liqueur that is made in the Loire Valley of France.
What to Serve With
French Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- ¾ oz Chambord or any raspberry liquor
- Lemon or dehydrated citrus to serve
Instructions
- Add the vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liquor in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 10 seconds, until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve with a lemon twist or dehydrated citrus slice.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Michele michalec says
Looks delicious can’t wait to try it!
Christina Musgrave says
You'll love it! Cheers!