French Martini

French Martini with Gin

Most people opt for vodka as the base spirit. But switching it up with gin can add an exciting layer of complexity to this modern classic. Unlike vodka, gin brings in botanical notes that can complement the fruity flavors of pineapple and raspberry liqueur. If you want to try gin in your French Martini, use a less juniper-heavy brand. Something like Bombay Sapphire offers a milder flavor profile that won’t overpower the cocktail’s other elements. Another solid choice could be Hendrick’s, known for its floral and cucumber notes. My suggestion for a seamless blend of flavors would be Tanqueray No. Ten. It’s smooth, citrus-forward, and plays well with fruit and liqueurs. 

French Martini Mixer

French Martini, pre-mixed cans and bottles have become increasingly popular. You’ve got choices like Clubtails, offering a portable French Martini in a can, and Monaco, which delivers a balanced and fruity experience in a stylish can. But the cream of the crop has to be On The Rocks. They offer a bottled French Martini made with top-shelf vodka and genuine Chambord. It’s the closest you’ll get to a freshly mixed French Martini without doing the work yourself.

French Martini Variations

Feeling a bit adventurous? Try a cocktail from our large selection of Martini variants:

• Peachy Keen: Sweet and aromatic peach schnapps bring a ripe, peachy flavor to this cocktail. The schnapps enhance the fruity taste, making it a refreshing and summery choice.
• Tropical Twist: Mango juice is introduced here, elevating the tropical flavor. Its rich, exotic sweetness is perfect for a lush and flavorful experience.
• Black and Blue: Featuring blue curaçao, this cocktail adds a colorful and citrusy twist. The blue curaçao provides unique visual appeal and a delightful citrus note, making it visually striking and flavorful.
• Violet Martini: Crème de violette is used to bring in floral notes. It adds an elegant and aromatic quality, creating a sophisticated and fragrant profile.
• Kiwi Crush: Including kiwi juice, this cocktail introduces an exotic tartness. The kiwi juice brings a fresh and tangy edge, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant and slightly sour taste.
• Cherry Bomb: Cherry liqueur gives this drink a rich cherry flavor and deep red hue. The liqueur provides a bold and fruity character, perfect for cherry lovers.
• Sour Pucker: A mix of lime juice with pineapple juice adds a tangy edge to the sweetness. Lime juice contributes a zesty kick, balancing the sweetness with refreshing tartness.
• Golden Elixir: Goldschläger cinnamon schnapps create a warm, spicy experience in this cocktail. The cinnamon schnapps adds comforting warmth and spice, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their sips.
• Minty Fresh: Muddled mint leaves offer a refreshing twist in this drink. The mint provides a cool and crisp flavor, making it incredibly refreshing and perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
• Spicy Kick: A dash of chili-infused vodka adds surprising and delightful heat. The chili-infused vodka brings an exciting spicy element, ideal for those who like a bit of a kick in their sips.
• Raspberry Martini: Sweet and tart flavors of raspberries feature in this cocktail. The raspberries add a fruity and slightly tangy taste, creating a delightful balance of sweet and sour.
• Pineapple Martini: Tropical sweetness of pineapple is included here. The pineapple brings a juicy and vibrant tropical flavor, perfect for a sunny day.
• Blackberry Martini: Infusing the deep, rich flavors of blackberries, this cocktail is a great choice for berry enthusiasts. The blackberries add a lush and slightly tart taste.
• Pear Martini: Incorporating the subtle and sweet flavors of pear, this martini offers a gentle, sweet essence, providing a smooth and sophisticated taste.
• Apple Martini: Crisp and refreshing taste of apples feature in this cocktail. The apples provide a clean and fruity flavor, making it a popular choice for its light and refreshing qualities.
• Mango Martini: Exotic and sweet flavors of mango are included, adding a tropical and rich sweetness, perfect for those who love bold and fruity flavors.
• Strawberry Martini: Classic sweetness of strawberries infuses this cocktail. The strawberries bring a familiar and beloved fruity taste, ideal for a light and enjoyable sip.
• Blueberry Martini: Sweet and slightly tart flavors of blueberries are incorporated, adding a subtle and delightful fruitiness, creating a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Passion Fruit Martini: Exotic and tangy taste of passion fruit features in this cocktail. The passion fruit adds a unique and vibrant tropical flavor, making it a standout choice for its distinctive taste.
• Peach Martini: Sweet and aromatic flavors of peach are included. The fragrant and juicy profile of the peach martini makes it a delightful and uplifting choice.

History and Origin of the French Martini

The French Martini burst onto the cocktail scene in the 1980s when bartenders and mixologists sought to innovate and experiment with flavors. Keith McNally
, the owner of Balthazar in New York City, often receives credit for its creation, although various versions might have existed previously. McNally’s aim was to craft a drink that combined elements of a classic Martini with more exotic and fruity components.

The cocktail quickly gained popularity, especially in trendy New York bars and restaurants, where patrons appreciated its sophistication and unique blend of flavors. Unlike a traditional Martini, which typically involves gin and dry vermouth, the French Martini stood out with its mix of vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord. Interestingly, the name “French Martini” comes from including Chambord, a French raspberry liqueur, rather than any historical connection to France.