French Martini

Believe it or not, the French Martini isn’t actually from France, but it definitely has that classy, “order it at a lounge” vibe. The first time I tried one was at a small cocktail bar where everything felt a little fancy, even the lighting. I remember thinking it was going to taste super strong and serious like a dry martini, but then I took a sip and got hit with this smooth mix of raspberry and pineapple that tasted bright, fruity, and totally drinkable.

That’s what makes this cocktail such a favorite. It’s simple, but it tastes like more than the sum of its parts. The vodka keeps it clean, Chambord adds a rich raspberry flavor, and pineapple juice gives it a tropical sweetness that balances everything out. When you shake it well, you also get that light foam on top, which makes it look extra pretty in the glass.

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Why You’ll Love This

The French Martini is one of those cocktails that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. It’s fruity without being too sweet, smooth without being boring, and it looks great in a cocktail glass.

Here’s why it deserves a spot in your rotation:

• Only 3 main ingredients so it’s easy to memorize
• Fruity but still balanced thanks to vodka keeping it clean
• Great for beginners who want to try martini-style cocktails
• Perfect for parties because it’s a crowd-pleaser
• Shakes up fast in under 5 minutes
• Looks beautiful in the glass with a simple garnish

If you like raspberry, pineapple, or anything “fruity martini,” this one is a no-brainer.

Ingredients

This cocktail is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something that tastes impressive. Each ingredient has a purpose. Vodka brings strength without adding too much flavor, Chambord gives the drink its signature raspberry taste, and pineapple juice adds brightness and sweetness.

• 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)

Ingredient tips:

• Vodka: Choose something smooth. Since the recipe is simple, you’ll taste the vodka more than in mixed drinks with lots of juice.
• Chambord: This is the classic raspberry liqueur for a French Martini. It’s rich and slightly sweet, and it gives the drink a deeper berry flavor.
• Pineapple juice: Adds sweetness and helps create a nice foamy top when shaken. If possible, use pineapple juice that tastes fresh, not overly syrupy.
• Garnish: Totally optional, but it makes the drink feel complete. A raspberry looks elegant, and pineapple gives tropical vibes.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

This drink is easy to make, but using decent ingredients makes it taste smoother and more “cocktail bar” than “random mixed drink.” The best part is you can still keep it budget-friendly.

Here are my favorite picks and substitutions:

• Vodka: Tito’s, Ketel One, Absolut, or Grey Goose
  Tito’s is a great mid-range choice. Ketel One makes it extra smooth.
• Chambord substitute: crème de framboise
  Any raspberry liqueur works. Crème de framboise is the closest match.
• No raspberry liqueur? Use raspberry syrup
  This makes it sweeter, but still delicious. Start with a smaller amount.
• Pineapple juice substitute: mango juice
  It changes the flavor but keeps the same fruity feel.
• Want it less sweet?
  Use unsweetened pineapple juice and reduce the liqueur slightly.
• Want it stronger?
  Add an extra 0.5 oz vodka and keep everything else the same.

If you’re making French Martini cocktails for a group, Chambord is worth grabbing because it’s useful in tons of other drinks too.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need much to make this cocktail, but shaking is key. A good shake blends the flavors and gives you that signature foamy top from the pineapple juice.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Strainer
• Cocktail glass (martini glass or coupe)

Optional but helpful:

• Fine mesh strainer (for a smoother pour)
• Ice scoop

Tip: Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. It keeps the drink colder longer and feels more professional.

How to Make It

The French Martini is fast and beginner-friendly. The only real “skill” here is shaking it well. You want it cold, blended, and slightly frothy.

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

Common tweak: If you like it extra cold, shake a few seconds longer. If you like it sweeter, use a touch more Chambord.

Pro Tips

This cocktail is simple, which means small details make a big difference. The pineapple juice can foam beautifully, and the raspberry liqueur can taste richer depending on how you shake and serve it.

Here are my best tips for a perfect French Martini:

• Shake longer than you think
  A strong shake creates that foamy top that makes it look fancy.
• Use chilled pineapple juice
  It helps the drink stay cold and improves texture.
• Chill the glass
  Warm glass = warm cocktail, and this drink should be crisp and cold.
• Use fresh ice
  Old ice can add freezer flavors that clash with fruity cocktails.
• Do a double strain
  This removes small ice shards and makes the drink smoother.
• Taste your pineapple juice first
  If it’s too sweet or too dull, it can throw off the cocktail.
• Garnish smart
  One raspberry or a small pineapple wedge is enough. Don’t overload it.
• Want it more tart?
  Add a tiny squeeze of lemon and shake again.

Once you make this once, it becomes one of those “go-to cocktails” you can throw together anytime.

Variations

The French Martini is already a twist on classic martinis, but you can customize it easily. You can make it sweeter, more tart, or change the fruit vibe completely.

Try one of these variations:

• French Martini with vanilla vodka
  Makes it slightly sweeter and more dessert-like.
• Coconut French Martini
  Add 0.5 oz coconut rum for a tropical spin.
• Strawberry French Martini
  Use strawberry liqueur instead of raspberry.
• Citrus French Martini
  Add a small splash of orange juice and garnish with orange peel.
• Non-alcoholic version
  Use pineapple juice + raspberry syrup + a splash of lemon-lime soda, shaken with ice.

If you’re serving this at brunch, the vanilla vodka version is usually a big hit.

When to Serve and Pairings

This is a great “party martini” because it’s easy, pretty, and not too strong-tasting. It works for casual nights and special occasions.

Best times to serve:

• Brunch
• Girls’ night
• Date night
• Bridal showers
• Holiday parties
• Cocktail hour

Pair it with:

• Fruit and cheese boards
• Bruschetta
• Shrimp cocktail
• Mini cupcakes
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Macarons

Storage and Serving Notes

French Martinis are best served fresh because the texture changes quickly. That foamy top fades, and the drink loses some of its charm if it sits too long.

Here’s how to handle it:

• Make it fresh
  Shake and pour right before serving.
• Batching tip
  You can pre-measure vodka and Chambord into a bottle and refrigerate.
• Add pineapple juice last
  Pineapple juice tastes freshest when mixed right before shaking.
• Do not store leftovers
  The flavor and foam won’t hold up.
• Serving size
  This recipe makes 1 cocktail but doubles easily.

Warning: Don’t pour it over ice unless you want a very diluted drink. This cocktail is meant to be served up.

FAQs

This cocktail is easy, but people still have questions about the foam, sweetness, and substitutions. Here are the answers that help most.

Is a French Martini the same as a regular martini?
No. A classic martini is usually vodka or gin with vermouth. A French Martini is fruity and includes raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.

Why does pineapple juice foam when shaken?
Pineapple juice naturally foams when shaken, which creates that light frothy layer on top.

Can I use triple sec instead of Chambord?
Not really. Triple sec is orange-flavored. Chambord is raspberry. The drink will taste totally different.

Is the French Martini sweet?
It’s lightly sweet and fruity. If you want it less sweet, use unsweetened pineapple juice.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
You can prep the vodka and Chambord ahead, but shake with pineapple juice right before serving.

What garnish is best?
A raspberry is the easiest and looks classy. A pineapple wedge adds a tropical feel.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed this French Martini cocktail, you’ll probably love other fruity martinis and vodka cocktails too. These are easy, fun, and great for sharing.

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