Immerse Yourself in Parisian Luxury with the French Martini

Craving a cocktail that embodies Parisian chic? Look no further than the French Martini

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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The French Martini: A Cocktail with Global Glamour

The French Martini might sound Parisian, but this vibrant pink drink actually hails from New York in the 1980s. It was created during the Martini revival era at Manhattan’s legendary Elaine’s restaurant, credited to bartender Allen Katz and made famous by the spread of Chambord raspberry liqueur.

Today, it’s a cocktail that perfectly blends style and substance: sweet, tart, and sophisticated with a tropical edge.

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Why We Love the French Martini

• Balanced flavour profile: The bold vodka base balances Chambord’s fruity sweetness and pineapple’s tang.

• Elegant but approachable: A three-ingredient recipe you can shake up at home.

• Always Instagram-worthy: That frothy pink hue looks stunning in a martini or coupe glass.

It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you feel like you’re part of the party the second you take a sip.

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French Martini Recipe (AU Measurements)

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 60 ml premium vodka

• 30 ml Chambord (or quality raspberry liqueur)

• 15 ml fresh pineapple juice (pressed or cold-pressed if possible)

• Ice cubes

• Garnish: fresh raspberry or pineapple wedge

Method:

1. Chill your glass – Freeze a martini or coupe glass, or fill with ice water.

2. Shake it up – Add vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice to a shaker with ice. Shake hard for 15–20 seconds.

3. Strain & serve – Fine-strain into the chilled glass for a frothy, velvety finish.

4. Garnish – Add a fresh raspberry or wedge of pineapple for flair.

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Tasting Notes

Expect a fruity, tart-yet-smooth profile with a frothy crown that dances across the glass. The Chambord delivers lush raspberry sweetness, pineapple adds tropical brightness, and vodka keeps the finish crisp.

It’s light enough to sip before dinner but bold enough to hold its own as the star of the night.

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Food Pairing Ideas

The French Martini’s sweet-tart character makes it versatile across a meal:

• Starters: Oysters, prawns, or smoked salmon.

• Mains: Grilled barramundi with pineapple salsa, seared scallops, or roast duck.

• Desserts: Raspberry macarons, pavlova, or flourless chocolate torte.

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Variations on the French Martini

• Tropical French Martini – Swap half the vodka for coconut rum.

• Berry Fusion – Add 15 ml strawberry or blueberry liqueur alongside Chambord.

• French Spritz – Serve in a wine glass topped with 60 ml prosecco.

• Mocktail French Martini – Replace vodka with soda water + Chambord with raspberry cordial.

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Bartender’s Tips

• Shake like you mean it: The frothy head relies on aerating the pineapple juice.

• Glassware matters: A coupe highlights its colour and froth beautifully.

• Flavoured vodkas: Vanilla or citrus vodka add depth without overpowering the balance.

• Presentation: Garnish with a dehydrated citrus wheel for a modern, chic touch.

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RSA Note (Australia)

With 60 ml vodka + 30 ml liqueur, this cocktail is around 2.2 standard drinks (brand dependent). Its sweetness can mask the alcohol, so always enjoy responsibly and pair with food.

For more on RSA in NSW, visit: Liquor & Gaming NSW

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Final Thoughts

The French Martini is a modern classic — a cocktail that bridges New York’s swagger with Parisian elegance. Easy to shake, visually stunning, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a drink that earns its place in any bartender’s repertoire.

Thanks for joining us behind the bar!

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

Read more:

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• Manhattan
• French Martini
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• Mojito
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• Negroni
• Espresso Martini
• Gimlet