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Let’s talk about how our love of our French martini recipe Chambord co*cktail came to be.
We’re huge martini fans. In fact, after our destination wedding in Paris, we had a martini bar with our favorite martini recipes that ran down an ice sculpture luge at our happily ever after party.
On the martini menu was a classic dirty vodka martini, an espresso martini, as well as a French martini (in ode to our nuptials in France).
Our French martini co*cktail recipe is an easy recipe that creates a sophisticated co*cktail and is less boozy than traditional martinis, which makes it a great choice for large celebrations and holidays like New Years Eve.
What is a French Martini?
A French martini is a fruity co*cktail that is much sweeter than a classic martini.
Made with a high quality vodka, fresh pineapple juice, and also Chambord liqueur.
It’s a sweet martini, slightly boozy, and packed with raspberry flavor. Even if you are typically opposed to sweet drinks, we think you’ll like this amazing drink.
What is Chambord Liqueur?
Chambord is a French raspberry liqueur that comes from the Loire Valley in France.
It is made at a French chateau by pressing real raspberries and blackberries. The berries are combined with French spirits, and left to infuse.
After a number of weeks of this process, this fruity and smooth liqueur is ready for a fine strain and to be added to their regal bottles.
Chambord has an alcohol content of 16.5%, which makes this martini a lot less boozy than a typical martini.
If you are looking for an even lower ABV option, you could add a splash of champagne or some club soda.
For this co*cktail, you can pick up a beautiful bottle of Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, as well as your vodka of choice at Spec’s.
Equipment Needed to Make a French Martini Recipe
Coupe Glasses or Martini Glasses – If you’re going to make a martini, pretty glassware is a must. We love this couple glass set.
co*cktail Shaker – We swear by this leakproof co*cktail shaker. The top screws on so there is no risk of a spilled co*cktail when you’re shaking it up.
co*cktail Picks – While a toothpick will do, some fancy co*cktail picks elevate your at home French martini that much more. Cheers to being tres chic.
Garnishes for a French Martini Recipe Chambord co*cktail
Half of the fun of a martini are the fun garnishes.
For this co*cktail we made a sugared berry. Just dip the black raspberries in some simple syrup (1 part water, 1 part sugar boiled and cooled) then dip or sprinkle with some sugar.
We think it makes the berry extra special for the holidays or any special occasion.
If you don’t want to spend additional time sugaring the berries, you can just use a simple raspberry or blackberry on a co*cktail pick.
Other garnish ideas include a pineapple wedge, a luxardo cherry, or even a lemon twist.
The Best French Martini Recipe with Chambord
Prep Time: 2 Minutes
Serves: 1 co*cktail
Ingredients:
- 3 oz. Vodka
- 2.5 oz. Pineapple juice
- 1.5 oz. Chambord Raspberry Liqueur
- Sugared berry, optional garnish
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a co*cktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Give it a good shake in the co*cktail shaker for 1 minute.
- Strain the co*cktail into a chilled glass.
- Garnish your martini or coupe glass with a berry.
Classic French Martini Recipe (Chambord co*cktail)
Yield: 1 co*cktail
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 oz. Vodka
- 2.5 oz. Pineapple juice
- 1.5 oz. Chambord Raspberry Liqueur
- Sugared berry, optional garnish
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a co*cktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Give it a good shake in the co*cktail shaker for 1 minute.
- Strain the co*cktail into a chilled glass.
- Garnish your martini or coupe glass with a berry.
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You’ll love these other co*cktail recipes!
- If you’re a lover of espresso martinis, you’ll love this Tequila Espresso Martini Recipe. It’s just like the crowd favorite but with more depth of flavor.
- Making a seasonalco*cktail for the holidays? This recipe for an Apple Pie Drink with Vodka co*cktail brings out a lot of fall flavors.
- Our Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe takes a classic co*cktail and elevates it with smoke, thanks to this easy, at-home co*cktail smoker. It’s on our list of 35 Amazing Whiskey Christmas Drinks.
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FAQs
Is a French Martini the same as a French 75? The French Martini co*cktail is a fruity co*cktail with vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice. It is different than the French 75, which is an elegant co*cktail made of gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and champagne.
What is the difference between a French 75 and a French Martini? ›
Is a French Martini the same as a French 75? The French Martini co*cktail is a fruity co*cktail with vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice. It is different than the French 75, which is an elegant co*cktail made of gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and champagne.
What do you mix Chambord with? ›
Chambord Royale
With: Brut Champagne and Chambord. How: Add 120ml of champagne (prosecco, cava or sparkling wine is perfect for this drink too) into a coupe glass and add 15ml Chambord. Garnish with a black raspberry.
Can you drink Chambord straight? ›
Drinking Chambord on its own is a lovely experience and makes a quick low-proof drink. It's best in a chilled glass or on the rocks, though a splash of cold seltzer or sparkling wine is also a great addition. However, this liqueur is best known for its versatility as a drink mixer.
What is Chambord ingredients? ›
Chambord is produced in the Loire Valley from raspberries and blackberries, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey and cognac. Whole raspberries and blackberries are steeped in French spirits for a period of several weeks to produce a fruit infusion.
What are the full ingredients in Chambord? ›
Chambord is crafted through a unique three-step process to blend the unique juices of blackberries, raspberries, and blackcurrant with the flavours of Madagascan vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey, herbs and XO Cognac.
What are some fun facts about French martini? ›
The French martini is a vodka-based co*cktail. It was invented in the 1980s at one of Keith McNally's New York City bars. It next appeared on the drinks menu at McNally's Balthazar in SoHo in 1996. The co*cktail was produced during the 1980s–1990s co*cktail renaissance.
What is a substitute for simple syrup in French 75? ›
In this version of the French 75 the simple syrup (made from granulated sugar and water), is replaced with honey syrup (honey & water), but how you can really make your drinks stand out is by using micro-batch honey. Micro-batch honey refers to honey that beekeepers extract in small batches.
Do you refrigerate Chambord after opening? ›
When storing an opened bottle of Chambord, it is crucial to keep it tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.
Can you use Chambord instead of Triple Sec? ›
“Chambord actually has a bright acidity from the citrus peels, which helps balance out sweetness.” He has soaked cherries in it to garnish Manhattans, mixed it with vinegar for co*cktail shrubs and even substituted it for triple sec in Margaritas and Sidecars.
Chambord Bellini is a delicious, easy co*cktail recipe made with Prosecco and Chambord Liqueur. It's a light, refreshing, and bubbly sipper that's super elegant and perfect for New Year's Eve toasting!
How long does Chambord liqueur last after opening? ›
Chambord has a two-year shelf life when stored correctly. When left unopened, Chambord can remain fresh for more than two years if the bottle is kept in a cold, dark location. After opening, consume the liquor within six to twelve months. The bottle needs to be uprightly kept and securely closed.
Does Chambord go with co*ke? ›
Then I tried Chambord, after a friend recommended having it with co*ke. To be honest, it kind of just tasted like Cherry co*ke, but it showed me how easy it really is to drink Chambord liqueur.
What drinks to make with Chambord? ›
6 Chambord co*cktails for When You're Craving Something Fruity and Refreshing
- 01 of 06. Chambord French Martini. Getty Images. ...
- 02 of 06. Chambord Pomegranate Royale. Getty Images. ...
- 03 of 06. Blackberry Thyme co*cktail. Getty Images. ...
- 04 of 06. Chambord Lemonade. Getty Images. ...
- 05 of 06. Big Pau Hana co*cktail. ...
- 06 of 06. Chambord Royale.
The French martini is a decidedly different drink than its classic counterpart. It's a sweeter, fruity co*cktail with no vermouth, no olive, and no gin—but it's served in a martini glass. Another key difference is the addition of Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur that's a key French martini ingredient.
What is considered French vermouth? ›
The label "French vermouth" generally refers to pale, dry vermouths that are more bitter than sweet vermouths. The extra bitterness is often obtained by using nutmeg or bitter orange peel in the drink recipe. Blanc or Bianco is a name given to a type of pale, sweeter vermouth.
What is a true martini made of? ›
A classic Martini is made from gin and vermouth and garnished with either an olive or lemon twist. It has a reputation as one of the most popular mixed alcoholic drinks in the world. Drink it straight or on the rocks, this co*cktail will always exude elegance and style.
Why is it called a French martini? ›
The name French Martini comes from one of the drink's main ingredients, Chambord liqueur. Chambord liqueur is a raspberry liqueur that originated from the Loire Valley of France. By the mid 1950s, the French Martini co*cktail was all over martini menus worldwide.
