Bijou: A Classic French Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces of gin
  • 3/4 ounce of green Chartreuse
  • 3/4 ounce of sweet vermouth
  • 1 dash of orange bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • 1 maraschino cherry for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add gin, green Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters.
  3. Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute gin with vodka for a different flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different types of vermouth, such as dry or bianco, to alter the taste.
  • Try different bitters like Angostura or aromatic bitters for a unique twist.
  • Adjust the ratios of gin, green Chartreuse, and sweet vermouth to personalize the taste.
  • Add a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice for a citrusy kick.
  • Garnish with a twist of lemon or orange peel instead of a cherry.
  • Infuse the gin with herbs or fruit for added complexity.

Recipe overview

Dive into the world of classic cocktails with the Bijou, a gem that's been shining since the late 19th century. This cocktail is renowned for its balanced blend of gin, green Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters, providing a delightful harmony of herbal, sweet, and citrus notes. This recipe will guide you step by step through the process of crafting this sophisticated cocktail, complete with a charming maraschino cherry garnish. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a newcomer to the cocktail scene, the Bijou is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation.

Common questions

  1. What is green Chartreuse? Green Chartreuse is a herbal liqueur created by Carthusian monks. It has a complex flavor profile with herbal and botanical notes.
  2. Can I substitute green Chartreuse with something else? While green Chartreuse is a key ingredient in Bijou, if you can't find it or prefer a different flavor, you can try using yellow Chartreuse or another herbal liqueur as a substitute. However, keep in mind that it may alter the taste of the cocktail.
  3. What type of gin should I use? For this recipe, it is recommended to use a London dry gin. It has a juniper-forward flavor profile that complements the other ingredients well.
  4. Can I use a different type of bitters? While the recipe calls for orange bitters, you can experiment with other types of bitters if you prefer. However, keep in mind that it may change the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.
  5. Do I need to stir the mixture for a specific amount of time? Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds or until it is well-chilled. This allows the flavors to blend together and ensures a properly mixed cocktail.
  6. Can I use crushed ice instead of ice cubes? While crushed ice may dilute the cocktail quicker, you can use it if you prefer a more diluted drink. However, using regular ice cubes is the traditional method for making this cocktail.
  7. Is the maraschino cherry necessary? The maraschino cherry is used as a garnish and adds a touch of sweetness to the cocktail. However, it is optional and you can omit it if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing glass - Used to mix and stir the cocktail ingredients.
  • Cocktail strainer - Allows for straining the mixture into a glass, leaving behind any ice or solids.
  • Cocktail glass - Used to serve the Bijou cocktail in a stylish and elegant manner.
  • Bar spoon - A long-handled spoon used for stirring cocktails.
  • Ice cubes - Needed to chill the cocktail mixture during the mixing process.
  • Maraschino cherry - A cherry used as a decorative garnish for the Bijou cocktail.

Origin stories

The Bijou is a classic cocktail that dates back to the late 19th century. Its name means "jewel" in French, and it's said that this cocktail got its name from the gem-like colors of its three primary ingredients: gin for diamond, vermouth for ruby, and green Chartreuse for emerald. It was originally deemed too strong and fell out of favor, but has recently seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to the craft cocktail movement. This cocktail is a shining example of balance and complexity, combining the botanicals of the gin, the sweetness of the vermouth, and the herbal qualities of the green Chartreuse. So, next time you order a Bijou, remember, you're sipping on a piece of cocktail history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.