French Martini Recipe

Ingredients

• 90 ml (3 oz)vodka
• 30 ml (1 oz)Chambord raspberry liqueur
• 120 ml (4 oz)pineapple juice
• as neededice
• 1–3fresh raspberries

Instructions

1. 1

   Shake the ingredients

   Add the vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled.

2. 2

   Strain the drinks

   Strain the mixture into two chilled martini glasses.

3. 3

   Add the garnish

   Top with 1–3 fresh raspberries and serve.

What is a French Martini?

Despite its name, the French Martini is a modern cocktail rather than a traditional French classic. It combines vodka and pineapple juice with Chambord, a French raspberry liqueur.

This version keeps the ingredient list short and lets the fruit flavours come through. Shaking with ice chills the drink and gives the pineapple juice a light, frothy finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 181 calories, 0g protein, 14g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the energy comes from the vodka and raspberry liqueur, while the pineapple juice contributes carbohydrates and sugars. The drink provides little protein or fat; serve it alongside a meal or a savoury snack if you want a more substantial occasion.

Choosing the ingredients

Vodka: a clean, neutral style lets the raspberry and pineapple take centre stage.

Chambord: this raspberry liqueur brings sweetness and berry flavour. Adjusting its amount changes the balance of the drink.

Pineapple juice: use juice you enjoy drinking on its own; it provides the cocktail’s tropical fruitiness and body.

Shaking and straining

Ice: fill the shaker generously so the ingredients chill as they mix. Shake briskly, then strain promptly so the drink does not become diluted while it waits.

Glasses: chilling the martini glasses ahead of time helps keep the cocktails cold after pouring.

Getting the texture right

A well-shaken drink should feel cold and may have a fine layer of foam from the pineapple juice. Strain it smoothly into the glasses, leaving the melting ice behind in the shaker.

If the finished drink tastes too sweet, use a little less liqueur next time; if it seems too sharp, adjust the pineapple juice to suit your palate.

Serving ideas

Serve straight after straining, with the fresh raspberries as a simple garnish. The recipe makes two cocktails, so divide the mixture evenly between the chilled glasses.

For a sparkling variation, add a small splash of prosecco, lemonade such as Sprite or 7 Up, or club soda according to how sweet you want the drink.

Timing and preparation

The recipe takes about 2 minutes once the ingredients and shaker are ready. For the quickest serving, chill the glasses while measuring the ingredients.

Make each drink just before serving rather than leaving it in the shaker, where the ice will continue to melt.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the glasses before pouring to help the cocktails stay cold.
• Shake until the outside of the shaker feels thoroughly chilled.
• Use fresh ice in the shaker rather than ice that has already begun to melt.
• Strain promptly after shaking to avoid extra dilution.
• Taste the balance next time and adjust the liqueur or juice to your preference.

Variations

• Add bubbles: top each glass with a splash of prosecco for a sparkling finish.
• Make it sweeter: use a splash of Sprite or 7 Up after straining.
• Keep it drier: add club soda for fizz without as much sweetness.
• Boost the berry note: add a few extra fresh raspberries as garnish.
• Adjust the fruit: change the pineapple juice slightly to suit your preferred sweet-tart balance.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the ice: the drink will not chill properly; shake it with plenty of ice.
• Using warm glasses: the cocktail can lose its chill quickly; chill the glasses first.
• Shaking too briefly: the ingredients may not be evenly chilled; shake briskly before straining.
• Leaving it in the shaker: melting ice can water down the cocktail; pour it as soon as it is shaken.
• Pouring unevenly: one glass may be stronger than the other; divide the mixture evenly.

How to store

This cocktail is best made and served straight away. If needed, keep the mixture covered in the refrigerator briefly, without ice, and shake again with fresh ice before straining; do not store it with the garnish.

Frequently asked questions