BEST French Martini Recipe - Perfect for a Valentine's Day co*cktail! (2024)

This classic French Martini recipe is a timeless co*cktail perfect all year long with flavors of pineapple juice and raspberry liquor.

Don’t let the fancy name fool you, with just four ingredients, this martini recipe is incredibly easy to make at home!The fresh pineapple juice makes it a fruity co*cktail that is perfect for gatherings of all kinds.

It’s a classic recipe that is full of raspberry flavor and great for any entertainer to have in their recipe box. Despite the simple ingredients, this classic martini has a flavor with a lot of depth.

What is a French Martini?

A true french martini is made with vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord. Chambord is the cornerstone of the co*cktail and one of the reasons it got its name.If you’ve never had it, it’s a french raspberry liqueur. It’s used in several traditional martinis.

While it is usually served as a co*cktail in a chilled martini glass, it also gained popularity as a shot using the same recipe.

The original recipe became popular in the late 1600s, but this amazing drink has only gained popularity since. It’s one of my favorite martini recipes.

What is Chambord?

Chambord is a french liqueur from the Loire Valley region in France. It is a cognac based raspberry liqueur made from red and black raspberries, citrus peel, vanilla and honey.

It has a beautiful deep berry color and a sweet berry flavor which makes it a wonderful addition to any of your favorite co*cktails.

It adds a beautiful pinkish hue that makes this signature sweet co*cktail even more desirable.

PRO TIP: You can Chambord at most premium spirit stores. It is a great addition for your bar and is used to make many popular co*cktails.

How to Make a French Kiss Martini

Making a french martini is easier than it looks! Simply fill a co*cktail shaker with ice cubes, pour the ingredients in. Give it a good shake and pour into chilled martini glasses.

You’ll Need:

• Vodka
• Chambord Liqueur
• Pineapple Juice

Don’t forget to top with classic garnishes before serving!

Garnishing Ideas

A french martini will taste great as it is, but if you want to take it up a notch you can add garnishes.

Traditionally, this martini is served with a lemon twist and fresh raspberry.

How to Make Lemon Twist

Making a lemon twist is extremely simple. Take a slice of lemon and cut around the rind. Then wrap the lemon peel around a straw or toothpick and hold in place for about a minute.

The lemon rind will not affect the flavor of the co*cktail the same way a squeeze of fresh lemon would. It just imparts a very subtle and mild zesty aroma that compliments the raspberry liqueur everytime you take a sip.

It is also a bartending trick to add something with high fragrance to the rim of the glass so you get a nice whiff while sipping. This can dramatically change the flavor profile of a drink.

French Martini Variations

I love a classic french martini, but if you are looking to change things up you can make the following changes:

1. Use flavored vodka. Try berry, raspberry vodka or pineapple for an extra fruity punch of flavor.
2. Add a splash of champagne for a sparkling french martini.Simply follow the directions below, and then top your martini with 2 ounces of champagne or other sparkling wine.
3. Flavor the rim of the glass with fruit juice. Drag pineapple, lemon or raspberry around the rim for extra flavor with each sip.
4. Although traditionally made with tart pineapple juice, you could use raspberry juice from fresh raspberries or even juicy blackberries instead.

Pairing Suggestions

This French Martini co*cktail is absolutely delicious on it’s own, but if you are looking to serve it with food I have a few suggestions for you.

When thinking about what foods to serve with co*cktails, it is important to think of the flavor profile of the drink rather than the actual ingredients.

When you choose what dishes to serve, you should focus on either compare or contrast with the overall flavors of the drink.

Complementary Pairing Suggestions

Flavors that complement this co*cktail would be sweet, deep, rich berry flavors or recipes that are sweet and contain raspberries or pineapple.

Complementary recipes to try:

• Duck a L’Orange
• Tenderloin with Balsamic Blueberry Sauce
• Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Buttercream

More co*cktails to try

• Ruby Red co*cktail
• Pomegranate Mimosa
• Classic Mimosa Recipe