IBA
French Martini – IBA
A fruity and berry vodka cocktail ∙ Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 19.6% ABV ∙
The French Martini – IBA is vodka shaken with raspberry liqueur and fresh pineapple juice, strained into a cocktail glass and finished with lemon oil.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Vodka 45 mlRaspberry liqueur 15 mlFresh pineapple juice 15 ml
- Strain into the chilled cocktail glass
- Squeeze oil from lemon peel onto the drink
Tips
- Pick a raspberry liqueur that tastes of real raspberries; a thin or sugary one leaves the drink dull and sweet next to the pineapple.
History
The French Martini, made with vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice, is generally traced to one of New York City bar owner Keith McNally's bars, though accounts of its origin range from the late 1980s to 1996. It gained wider recognition after 1996, when bartender Dale DeGroff added it to the menu at McNally's vodka bar Pravda, helping the drink spread to other bars and eventually abroad.
The drink takes its name from Chambord, the black raspberry liqueur produced in France that gave the cocktail its color and flavor, even though the recipe has no French origin beyond that ingredient. The IBA recipe calls for raspberry liqueur in general, so Chambord or another raspberry liqueur will do.
FAQ
What is in a French Martini?
Vodka, raspberry liqueur, and fresh pineapple juice, finished with lemon peel oil squeezed over the top.
How do you make a French Martini?
Chill the glass first, then shake vodka, raspberry liqueur, and fresh pineapple juice hard with ice. Strain into the chilled cocktail glass and squeeze lemon peel oil over the surface.
How much alcohol is in a French Martini?
About 19.6% ABV, moderate for a shaken drink. The 45 ml of vodka is the only full-strength spirit; the raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice and melted ice bring it down.
What can I use instead of Chambord in a French Martini?
Any good raspberry liqueur, such as Merlet Creme de Framboise or a similar raspberry creme liqueur. Pick one that tastes of real fruit rather than just sugar, since it carries most of the drink's flavor.
