The Bijou cocktail is a timeless gin beverage named after the hues of precious stones, utilizing gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse in equal measurements. Here’s a simple guide to create it at home!
For aficionados of distinct classic cocktails, here’s an enjoyable one worth trying: the Bijou cocktail. This drink derives its name from the sparkling colors of the three spirits it comprises: diamond, ruby, and emerald—how delightful is that? It presents a spirit-forward profile that is refreshing and herbaceous.
With just one sip, you’ll be reminded of a Manhattan, but with a herbal finish that lingers. This drink is full of surprises, and your guests will certainly be captivated. Here’s how to craft the Bijou!
What Is a Bijou Cocktail?
The Bijou cocktail is a traditional mixture featuring gin, sweet vermouth, and chartreuse. Invented in the 1890s by the father of modern bartending, Harry Johnson, it associates itself with the colors of gemstones represented by the spirits: clear gin for diamond, red vermouth for ruby, and green chartreuse for emerald (bijou translates to jewel in French).
The Bijou enjoyed popularity for several decades but lost favor after Prohibition. Unlike its more famous relatives, the Manhattan and martini, the Bijou was largely forgotten until its revival in the 1980s.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare a Bijou cocktail, the necessary ingredients are:
– 1 oz gin
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1 oz green Chartreuse
– 2 dashes orange bitters
As a side note, some prefer to modify the ratios to include less Chartreuse. I opted to adhere to the equal parts recipe from the 1890s, and I’m pleased with that choice. Let’s examine the components:
Green Chartreuse
Chartreuse is an herbal liqueur that has been produced by French monks since the mid-1700s. The liquor is infused with a secret mix of 130 botanicals (it’s true!). Chartreuse liqueur comes in two shades: green and yellow.
This liqueur is certainly worth acquiring if you’re a daring home mixologist in search of an exceptional liqueur. You can enjoy it straight, or mix it with soda water for a spritzy drink. Additionally, there are numerous classic cocktails featuring Chartreuse, like the Bijou and the Last Word. It can also be used in contemporary craft cocktails such as the Fernet Sour or Naked and Famous.
Sweet Vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified wine, which means liquor has been added to keep it stable. There are two primary varieties of vermouth: sweet (generally red) and dry (typically white).
Sweet vermouth is subtly sweet and spicy, offering a hint of bitterness at the end. It plays a key role in many classic cocktails such as the Negroni, Americano, and Manhattan (and my other favorite Vermouth Cocktails). Be sure to store vermouth in the fridge: it remains fresh for up to 3 months.
Gin
A classic dry style gin is my preferred choice for the Bijou. I favor Malfy; its juniper notes complement the Chartreuse without overshadowing it. If you’re expanding your gin selection, don’t overlook these 30 Best Gin Cocktails to Try.
How To Make a Bijou Cocktail
Once you have your ingredients, this three-component drink can be prepared in just 5 minutes. Here are the key steps for making a Bijou cocktail:
1. Stir the ingredients with ice. Combine the gin, sweet vermouth, Chartreuse, and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass filled with ice, and stir for 30 seconds. This is a traditional stirred cocktail: since it consists solely of spirits with no mixer, stirring chills it without over-diluting as shaking would.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass. A coupe glass really showcases that gemstone color.
3. 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 taste of a Bijou is lush and herbaceous, with a spirit-forward profile reminiscent of a Manhattan. However, the green Chartreuse introduces a layered herbal complexity, and there’s a delectably sweet finish from the vermouth. It’s a slow sipper ideal for those who appreciate spirit-forward beverages.
The Best Garnish for a Bijou
The garnish is crucial in classic cocktails! Adorn the Bijou with a lemon peel and, if you prefer, include a Luxardo cherry. This unique type of cherry is also frequently used to garnish a Manhattan.
Luxardo cherries are cocktail cherries, but their deep red hue can appear almost black. They have a complex flavor profile that is fruity and nutty, almost like