This French Martini is a bursting with flavor from fresh pineapple juice, vanilla vodka, and Chambord liqueur. It’s the perfect way to kick off happy hour or wind down after a long day.
It’s finally Friday – my favorite day of the week. It means the weekend is here, and it’s time to relax and enjoy some family time before the chaos begins again.
So to celebrate the weekend, I thought I would start a new series on Delicious Everyday to celebrate, called Fun Fridays. (You can find all my cocktail recipes here.)
To kick off Fun Fridays, I’m sharing one of my favorite cocktails – a classic French Martini Cocktail – with a little bit of a twist.
This is a drink my husband often makes for me to celebrate the end of the week. He’s a keeper, huh?
While I’m sure we’ve all heard of “shaken, not stirred” martinis, thanks to James Bond, you may not have heard of a French Martini.
What’s in a French Martini?
A French Martini is a deliciously tart and sweet combination of fresh pineapple juice, Vodka and Chambord.
What is Chambord?
Chambord is a delicious liqueur made from black raspberries, honey, vanilla and herbs.
First produced in 1685, the liqueur was apparently introduced to Louis XIV during a visit to the Château de Chambord.
Chambord invented the French Martini cocktail, as part of a global advertising campaign for the liqueur. It was obviously successful, given the popularity of the drink today.
How to Make a French Martini
To make a French martini:
- Combine ice, vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord liquer in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake and strain into a glass.
Make it a Vanilla French Martini
While the classic French Martini cocktail recipe is a simple combination of vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord – I like using vanilla vodka which adds a wonderful depth.
Don’t have any vanilla vodka on hand? Simply split a vanilla bean and add the seeds from half of the vanilla bean to the cocktail shaker.
Place the leftover vanilla pods in vodka and leave them to infuse for your own homemade vanilla vodka. Yum!
Still thirsty?
If you love this martini, check out these other reader-favorite cocktail recipes:
While you’re here, be sure to snag this free printable e-book with my favorite cocktail recipes!
Recipe
French Martini with Vanilla-Infused Vodka
Special Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the Vanilla Vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice, and a few cubes of ice. Shake vigorously. (The vigorous shaking will froth the pineapple juice and give you a nice foamy topping to the cocktail.)
- Strain into the martini glass, and serve with a wedge of fresh pineapple or a couple of fresh raspberries.
Richard Clingerman says
WOW! I made this last night and even though I rarely have a second drink, I made another one! 😀 Also, I love that cocktail glass. Who makes it and where can I get some?
ann says
Hi, I overheard someone ordering this drink when I was out last week… I was driving so none for me.. I googled the recipe and came across your page with all your “artwork” I thought this is a great “basket” to make for a wedding shower I’m going to! I’ll put the recipe in a beutiful frame, martini glasses and the the ingrediants!!
Thanks for the recipe and the link!
Stephanie says
I've never heard of a French martini but it sounds fabulous! I actually have half a bottle of Chambord that's been around forever, and I was just wondering what to do with it. I'll have to try your recipe!
My recent post My Pastry Lesson with Chef Richard Ruskell
delicieux says
Let me know what you think Stephanie. It's definitely one of my favourites. 🙂 Just in time for the weekend!
@IronChefShellie says
Looks fantastic! Pineapple makes all the difference 🙂 x
thepickygourmand says
I have never tried a French Martini before, but this looks really wonderful! Have a happy friday!
My recent post Broiled Cinnamon-Maple Grapefruit
Trudy~Veggienumnum says
What a pretty cocktail, I love a classic gin martini complete with olive but this looks so very good!! Beautiful combination with the Chambord, vanilla vodka and pineapple juice, maybe too good to stop at just one 🙂 hope you have a happy and fun Friday!!
My recent post Veggie Paella w- Saffron & Orange
delicieux says
Thanks Trudy! 😀 This is such a lovely fresh cocktail and a nice change to a classic martini. Definitely worth a try.
Martini Maidens says
It looks wonderful! May have to make that a definite Friday Martini for tomorrow. Nice to add the variety. 🙂
delicieux says
Thanks for stopping by Martini Maidens. 😀