Very French Martini
A sophisticated evolution of the French Martini, created by Simon Difford, substituting vodka with complex, aromatic Cognac to elevate a popular fruit-forward template into a drink of remarkable character.
20%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Very French Martini was created in January 2015 by cocktail historian Simon Difford and bartender Matthias Lataille at the Cabinet Room in London. It's a deliberate evolution of the French Martini (popularized at Keith McNally's Balthazar in 1996), designed to add complexity by replacing vodka with VSOP Cognac. This transformation bridges the gap between the playful "fruit 'tini'" craze of the 1990s and the modern craft cocktail renaissance's demand for sophisticated, spirit-forward drinks with complex flavor profiles.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes
Measure all ingredients precisely and add to a cocktail shaker
Fill shaker three-quarters full with high-quality ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until shaker is frosted
Double strain through Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer into chilled coupe
Drop a single fresh raspberry into the center of the foam
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe glass
Garnish
Single, plump, unblemished raspberry
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 freshly pressed pineapple juice - never canned
Chambord is the preferred raspberry liqueur for authenticity
VSOP Cognac provides the ideal balance of fruit and oak notes
Shake vigorously to create the signature pineapple foam
Serve immediately to preserve foam integrity
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Very French Martini.
More Spirit-Forward
Increase Cognac for a bolder, more spirit-driven cocktail.
Changes
Sweeter Version
Increase Chambord for more pronounced raspberry sweetness.
Changes
French Martini (Original)
The vodka-based predecessor using the same fruit profile.
Changes
Sparkling Very French
Add a splash of Champagne for a French 75-style variation.
Changes
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Sparkling Berry Royale
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