French Kiss

Instructions

1. Chill your martini glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.

2. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.

3. Add the vodka, raspberry liqueur (like Chambord), and pineapple juice to the shaker.

4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker feels ice-cold.

5. Discard the ice from your chilled martini glass.

6. Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the chilled martini glass to remove ice shards and achieve a smooth texture.

7. Garnish with a fresh raspberry.

Trivia

• What does a French Kiss cocktail taste like?

  A French Kiss cocktail offers a predominantly sweet and fruity flavour profile. The vodka provides a neutral base, allowing the bright, sweet-tart notes of raspberry liqueur and the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice to shine through. It's smooth, elegant, and refreshingly fruity.

• What's the difference between a French Kiss and a French Martini?

  The terms French Kiss and French Martini are often used interchangeably, and both typically refer to the same recipe: vodka, raspberry liqueur (like Chambord), and pineapple juice. Some minor variations might exist under the 'French Kiss' name, occasionally adding a splash of champagne, but the core ingredients usually remain consistent with the French Martini.

• What kind of raspberry liqueur is best for a French Kiss?

  Chambord is the classic and most commonly used raspberry liqueur for both French Kiss and French Martini cocktails. Its rich, complex flavour profile derived from black raspberries, vanilla, and cognac works beautifully. However, other quality raspberry liqueurs can also be substituted.

• Can I make a French Kiss cocktail without a shaker?

  While a shaker is highly recommended for properly chilling and diluting the cocktail, you could stir the ingredients vigorously with ice in a mixing glass and then strain it. However, shaking introduces aeration which contributes to the cocktail's texture, so a shaker is preferred for the best result.

• Is the French Kiss a strong cocktail?

  The French Kiss contains a standard measure of vodka and a lower-ABV liqueur, balanced with non-alcoholic pineapple juice. While it contains alcohol, the fruit juice makes it quite palatable and masks some of the alcohol strength compared to spirit-forward cocktails. Its alcohol content is typically around 15-20% ABV, depending on the exact proportions used.

• What occasions are suitable for serving a French Kiss cocktail?

  The French Kiss is an excellent choice for romantic occasions like Valentine's Day or anniversaries due to its name and elegant presentation. It's also perfect for parties, bridal showers, summer gatherings, or as a sophisticated pre-dinner drink (apéritif).