• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Food Fun & Faraway Places
  • Start Here
  • Food & Drink
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Cocktails
    • Entrees
    • Dessert
    • Weight Watchers Recipes
  • Destinations
    • Florida
    • North America
    • South America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • Asia
    • Cruises
  • Work with Us!
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • Food
    • Breakfast
    • Entrees
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
  • Fun
  • Faraway Places
  • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • Food
      • Breakfast
      • Entrees
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
    • Fun
    • Faraway Places
    • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes

    French Martini

    Published: Dec 2, 2019 · Modified: Feb 13, 2021 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    It took some experimenting to create this French Martini recipe, but it was so worth the effort! I wanted to create a cocktail with St~Germain, an elderflower flavored French liqueur.

    I had a martini in mind, so I grabbed my bottle of Empress 1908 Gin, made in Victoria, BC. I fell in love with Empress Gin when I first tried it at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

    The combination of these two was a match made in heaven. You'll want to make this one at your next party. It's a festive cocktail for Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, or any day of the week.

    It took some experimenting to create this French Martini recipe, but it was so worth the effort! This might just be your new favorite cocktail!

    French Martini

    If you haven't been to Victoria where Empress 1908 Gin is made, add it to your bucket list. And don't miss the food! Victoria is known for it. I even have a list of where to find the best food in Victoria, so you don't have to worry about figuring that part out!

    The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a charming historic hotel overlooking the Inner Harbour and hosts the most amazing tea service you'll ever experience. In fact, the tea service was the inspiration for the gin!

    The Empress curates an exclusive collection of teas. Ask about them if you go because me telling you is nothing like you experiencing the aroma and taste of the teas in person.

    It turns out that if you combine the Classic Empress Tea with other botanicals, it creates a gin that even those (like me) who don't typically care for gin will love. Seriously - I thought I didn't like gin!

    I was planning to simply combine St~Germain with Empress 1908 Gin but, though it's delicious, it's a little too strong for me. I added King Tonic Bitters, muddled a little mint and a few raspberries, and this French Martini was born.

    This cocktail would be a wonderful addition to any party. It's festive enough for any big occasion, but it's also simple enough to sip at home.

    How to Make a French Martini

    Muddle 3 raspberries and 2 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.

    Add St. Germain.

    Pour in Empress 1908 Gin.

    It took some experimenting to create this French Martini recipe, but it was so worth the effort! This might just be your new favorite cocktail!

    Add Kina Tonic Bitters (other bitters works well, too.)

    Shake with ½ of ice until well chilled.

    Strain into a martini glass and serve cold.

    You can make it more festive with a sprig of mint or raspberries.

    It took some experimenting to create this French Martini recipe, but it was so worth the effort! This might just be your new favorite cocktail!

    What to Serve with a French Martini

    I always have food prepared for cocktail time, whether we have friends over or it's just my husband and me. We make charcuterie platters for just the two of us all the time. A plate of Proscuitto, well-aged gouda cheese, fig jam, along with a sliced baguette makes the perfect pairing to this French Martini.

    If you're looking for a more substantial appetizer, this seafood salad recipe is delicious with crackers or pita chips. I used shrimp and scallops as that is how the chef made it when I first tasted it in Mexico.

    I make a cranberry brie bread braid that friends rave about. It is a little bit of work, but the results will surprise you. It makes such a pretty presentation!

    This watermelon salsa recipe I first tried on Carnival Cruise Lines always pairs well with cocktails, and you can get watermelon all year long now.

    Need more ideas for food? I've got a roundup for 20 holiday appetizers I think you'll love!

    More Cocktails To Try

    If you're having a gathering, choose from these 25 festive cocktails to add to the mix!

    It took some experimenting to create this French Martini recipe, but it was so worth the effort! This might just be your new favorite cocktail!

    French Martini

    An elderflower flavored gin martini with hints of raspberries and mint.
    No ratings yet
    Print this Recipe Pin this Recipe Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: French
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Author: Kelly Stilwell

    Ingredients

    • 1 oz St Germain
    • 1 oz Empress Gin
    • ¾ oz Kina Tonic Bitters
    • 3 raspberries
    • 2 mint leaves
    • ½ cup ice

    Instructions

    • Muddle 3 raspberries and 2 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker
    • Add 1 ounce St~Germain to shaker
    • Add 1 ounce Empress 1908 Gin
    • Add ¾ ounce Kina Tonic Bitters
    • Add ½ cup cubed ice
    • Shake well until chilled
    • Serve up in a Martini glass
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @kastilwell or tag #FFFP!

    LET'S STAY CONNECTED!

    FACEBOOK  PINTEREST INSTAGRAM TWITTER

    « Cheddar & Ale Bratwurst Soup
    NCL New York to Bermuda Cruise »
    170 shares
    • 122

    Affiliate Disclosure

    Food, Fun & Faraway Places participates in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites.

    Reader Interactions

    Share your Thoughts! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Kelly eating on a cruise ship.

    Welcome! Food, Fun & Faraway Places® is a travel and food blog written by Kelly Stilwell. From delicious recipes to world travel, we’ve got you covered! Contact Kelly at kastilwell@gmail.com.

    More about me →

    More Fall Recipes

    • Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
    • 27 Homemade Pumpkin Desserts
    • Best Bread for Soup
    • 20 Delicious Soup Recipes

    Travel Ideas

    • Best Restaurants in Disney Springs Florida
    • Costa Smeralda Ship Mediterranean Cruise
    • 20 Best Restaurants in Sarasota Florida
    • Culinary Adventures on Rocky Mountaineer Canada

    Join the Family!





    Footer

    ^ back to top

    as seen in banner

    About

    • Start Here
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Kelly Stilwell