The Bijou cocktail is a classic gin drink named for the colors of jewels, using gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse in equal parts. Here’s how to make it at home!
If you love unique classic cocktails, here’s a fun one to try: the Bijou cocktail. This drink is named for the colors of glittering jewels of the three liquors that make it up: diamond, ruby, and emerald: how fun is that? It has a spirit-forward flavor that’s crisp and herbaceous.
Take one sip and you’ll be reminded of a Manhattan, but with an herbal undertone to the finish. This one is full of surprises: and all your guests will be impressed. Here’s how to make the Bijou!
What Is a Bijou Cocktail?
The Bijou cocktail is a classic cocktail featuring gin, sweet vermouth, and chartreuse. The father of modern bartending himself, Harry Johnson, invented the drink in the 1890’s. He named it for the colors of jewels represented by the liquors: clear gin for diamond, red vermouth for ruby, and green chartreuse for emerald (bijou means jewel in French).
The Bijou was popular for a few decades, but fell out of style after Prohibition. Unlike its popular cousins the Manhattan and martini, the Bijou was unknown until it was rediscovered in the 1980’s.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in a Bijou cocktail are:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz green Chartreuse
- 2 dashes orange bitters
As a note, some people like to change-up the ratios to use less Chartreuse. I decided to stick with the 1890’s equal parts recipe, and I’m glad we did. Let’s break down the ingredients:
Green Chartreuse
Chartreuse is an herbal liqueur made by French monks since the mid-1700’s. The alcohol is aged with a secret blend of 130 plants (for real!). Chartreuse liqueur comes in two colors: green and yellow.
This liqueur is definitely worth buying if you’re an adventurous home bartender looking for a unique liqueur. You can also sip on it as a shot, or add soda water as a sort of spritz. There are also several classic Chartreuse cocktails like the Bijou and the Last Word. You can also use it for a modern craft cocktails like the Fernet Sour or Naked and Famous.
Sweet Vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified wine, meaning that liquor has been added to stabilize it. There are two main types of vermouth: sweet (usually red) and dry (usually white).
Sweet vermouth is subtly sweet and spicy, with a hit of bitter on the finish. It features in many classic cocktails like the Negroni, Americano, and Manhattan (and my other favorite Vermouth Cocktails). Make sure to store vermouth in the refrigerator: it stays good there for up to 3 months.
Gin
A classic dry style gin is my go-to for the Bijou. I like Malfy; its juniper flavors stand up to the Chartreuse without overpowering. If you’re building out your gin collection, don’t miss these 30 Best Gin Cocktails to Try.
How To Make a Bijou Cocktail
Once you’ve got your ingredients, this three ingredient drink takes only 5 minutes to make. Here are the main steps to make a Bijou cocktail:
- Stir the ingredients with ice. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, Chartreuse, and bitters to a cocktail mixing glass with a handful of ice, and stir for 30 seconds. This is a classic stirred cocktail: since it’s all spirits with no mixer, stirring chills it without over-diluting the way shaking would.
- Strain into a cocktail glass. A coupe glass shows off that jewel color.
- Garnish with a lemon peel and cherry. Cut a 1-inch strip of lemon peel, squeeze it over the drink to release the oils, run it around the rim, and drop it in.
What Does a Bijou Taste Like?
The flavor of a Bijou is rich and herbaceous, with a spirit-forward flavor that reminds me of a Manhattan. But the green Chartreuse brings in a complex herbal undertone, and there’s of course a subtly sweet finish from the vermouth. It’s a slow sipper great for people who love spirit-forward drinks.
The Best Garnish for a Bijou
The garnish is an important part of classic cocktails! Garnish the Bijou with a lemon peel and then if you like, add a Luxardo cherry. This special sort of cherry is also common as the garnish for a Manhattan.
Luxardo cherries are a cocktail cherry, but they’re so dark red they almost look black. They taste complex, fruity, and nutty almost like amaretto. Exactly what you need for a classic cocktail. It’s easiest to find Luxardo cherries online.
PrintClassic Bijou Cocktail
Pin RecipeThe Bijou cocktail is a classic gin drink named for the colors of jewels, using gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse in equal parts. Here’s how to make it!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce Chartreuse
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- For the garnish: Lemon peel, Luxardo cherry or cocktail cherry
Instructions
- Combine the gin, sweet vermouth, Chartreuse and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass (or any other type of glass). Add the orange bitters. Fill the mixing glass with 1 handful ice and stir continuously for 30 seconds.
- Strain the drink into a cocktail glass.
- Use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of the lemon peel. Squeeze the lemon peel into the drink to release the oils. Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass, then place it in the glass and serve.
Notes
*1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
Related Drinks To Try
The Bijou cocktail has several “cousin” drinks that are similar in flavor and style:
- Martinez The Bijou reminds us most of the Martinez, the predecessor to the Martini! This gin cocktail mixes sweet vermouth and Maraschino liqueur.
- Manhattan The Bijou is also close to the Manhattan, just bourbon and sweet vermouth.
- Last Word The Last Word is another equal parts cocktail and also uses Chartreuse and gin! It adds Maraschino liqueur and lime juice to the mix.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/6tZ7pBD
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