Francophile Martini
A sophisticated French twist on the classic Martini, marrying botanical French gin with Dolin Dry vermouth and Esprit de June's ethereal grape flower essence for an elegant aperitif.
33%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“Created in 1948 by Antoine Dubois at Le Coq d'Or bar in Paris's 8th arrondissement, the Francophile Martini emerged from the post-war Parisian cocktail renaissance. Dubois, a French Resistance veteran, sought to create a cocktail that would appeal to American expatriates while showcasing France's finest spirits. The drink became a symbol of Franco-American friendship and the returning "joie de vivre" to Paris. It gained international recognition through a 1952 New York Herald Tribune article and became the signature drink of Saint-Germain-des-Prés intellectuals and artists.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes
Combine French gin, Dolin Dry vermouth, Esprit de June, and orange bitters in a mixing glass
Fill mixing glass two-thirds full with clear ice
Stir for 20-25 seconds until the outside is well-frosted
Strain into the chilled glass using a julep strainer
Garnish with a fresh raspberry dropped into the glass
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish
Single fresh raspberry, inspected for imperfections
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use only the highest quality French gin for authentic character
Chill all ingredients and glassware thoroughly—temperature is crucial
Stir precisely 20-25 seconds; under-stirring or over-stirring ruins the balance
Fresh vermouth stored in the refrigerator is essential
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Francophile Martini.
Extra Dry Francophile
Reduces vermouth to 0.5 oz for a more gin-forward experience.
Changes
Plus Doux
Increases Esprit de June to 0.5 oz for a sweeter, more floral profile.
Changes
Amer
Increases orange bitters to 3-4 dashes for pronounced bitter and spicy finish.
Changes
Normandy Martini
Replaces gin with Calvados for an apple-forward French variation.
Changes
Gascon Martini
Uses young Armagnac Blanche as the base spirit for a grape brandy twist.
Changes
Provençal Martini
Features lavender-infused gin for herbaceous, aromatic complexity.
Changes
St-Germain Francophile
Substitutes elderflower liqueur for Esprit de June with different floral notes.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
50/50 Martini
Equal parts gin and dry vermouth with a dash of orange bitters—silky, aromatic, and lower proof.
Alaska
A silky, spirit-forward gin cocktail where honeyed Yellow Chartreuse and citrus bitters create an aromatic, golden Martini sibling.
Gin Old Fashioned
A botanical take on the template—gin stirred with sugar and bitters over a large cube.