French Martini

The French Martini is a stylish, fruit-forward cocktail that rose to popularity during the 1980s cocktail renaissance. With a mix of vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice, it offers a smooth yet tangy experience with just enough sweetness to stay balanced. This drink is known for its creamy foam top and vibrant hue, making it a go-to choice for those who enjoy a modern martini with a tropical edge. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a refreshing evening sipper, the French Martini brings both flavor and flair with minimal effort.

Tasting Notes

The French Martini offers a smooth mix of fruit and spirit with a gentle, slightly tart finish. Vodka forms the clean backbone, while Chambord adds a rich berry note that’s soft and sweet without overpowering the drink. Pineapple juice adds both acidity and texture, rounding out the flavors with a juicy lift. The cocktail is shaken and served chilled, creating a silky body with subtle foam on top. The balance of raspberry and pineapple is what defines this drink, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy fruit-forward cocktails with a light, approachable structure.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare a French Martini, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for proper mixing and chilling. A jigger or measuring tool ensures accurate proportions. A citrus knife may be used to prep garnishes like a lemon twist or pineapple wedge. A fine mesh strainer or Hawthorne strainer keeps pulp and ice shards out of the final pour. Serve it in a chilled coupe or martini glass to help maintain its temperature and presentation. No muddler, blender, or specialty tools are required this is a classic shaken cocktail that comes together easily with standard bar gear.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 0.5 oz Chambord or other raspberry liqueur
• 1.5 oz pineapple juice
• A pineapple wedge lemon twist, or raspberry to garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Pour the vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice into a shaker, with some ice cubes 
• Shake the mixture well to blend the ingredients together 
• Pour the blend into your cocktail glass and decorate with a pineapple wedge or other garnish, if desired

Pro Tips

• Shake thoroughly to achieve the light foam from the pineapple juice
• Use fresh pineapple juice for stronger flavor
• Chill your glass before pouring to keep the drink colder
• Try flavored vodka (vanilla or citrus) for a twist
• Avoid overusing Chambord it’s rich and can dominate the mix
• Double strain for a cleaner presentation
• Garnish with raspberry for a matching fruit aroma
• Keep all ingredients chilled before mixing
• Serve immediately to retain foam and freshness
• Adjust liqueur slightly if using a sweeter or different brand

When to Serve

The French Martini is well-suited for evening occasions, pre-dinner drinks, and celebratory toasts. It’s often chosen for cocktail parties, girls’ nights, or events where you want something flavorful yet light. Its fruit-forward nature makes it easy to sip while still feeling refined enough for special gatherings. Because it’s not overly strong, it also works as a second-round option or a drink to enjoy without overwhelming the palate. Serve it cold in a stemmed glass to highlight its texture and aroma. It fits year-round menus but feels especially fitting in spring and summer.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Vodka:

• Absolut
• Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Ketel One
• Grey Goose
• Belvedere
• Smirnoff No. 21

Raspberry Liqueur:

• Chambord
• Giffard Framboise
• Mathilde Framboise Liqueur
• St. George Raspberry Liqueur
• DeKuyper Razzmatazz

If you enjoy French Martini, here are five similar cocktails to try:

• Raspberry Dream
• Pineapple Martini
• Raspberry Martini
• Pineapple Screwdriver
• Flirtini