Bijou Shot
A herbal and bitter cocktail ∙ Layer ∙ 2 min ∙ 38.2% ABV ∙
The Bijou Shot is a shot-sized Bijou: equal parts sweet vermouth, an herbal liqueur such as green Chartreuse, and London dry gin, layered in that order.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Carefully layer the ingredients in the following order: Rosso vermouth 15 mlHerbal liqueur (e.g., Green Chartreuse) 15 mlLondon dry gin 15 ml
Tips
- Vermouth goes in first; float the herbal liqueur over the back of a spoon, then the gin, so the three 15 ml layers stay separate.
History
The Bijou Shot is a layered, shot-glass presentation of the classic Bijou cocktail, and its documented history is that of the parent drink. The best-known Bijou formula today, equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse with a dash of orange bitters, was published by bartender Harry Johnson in the 1900 edition of his Bartender's Manual.
The shot simply layers the same three components in a shot glass rather than stirring and straining them, in the pousse-café style.
FAQ
What is in a Bijou Shot?
Equal parts sweet (rosso) vermouth, an herbal liqueur such as green Chartreuse, and London dry gin, layered rather than stirred: a shot-sized version of the classic Bijou.
How do you make a Bijou Shot?
Pour the sweet vermouth into a chilled shot glass, then float the herbal liqueur and finally the gin over the back of a spoon so they stack rather than mix. No shaking, stirring, or ice is involved.
Is a Bijou Shot strong?
Yes, it comes in at about 38.2% ABV, since it is served in full-strength, undiluted layers. It is meant to be taken quickly as a shot rather than sipped.
What glass is a Bijou Shot served in?
A shot glass, which lets the three layers stack visibly without needing much volume.
