The Bijou cocktail is a true gem in the world of mixology, known for its blend of gin, sweet vermouth, green Chartreuse, and a touch of orange bitters.
This classic cocktail offers a rich and complex flavor profile that has delighted cocktail lovers for many years.
Let’s check out the steps to the perfect Bijou cocktail recipe from the comfort of your own home, with measurements in milliliters (ml) and ounces.
But before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the history and origins of the Bijou cocktail, as well as the key Bijou cocktail ingredients.
The Bijou Cocktail: A Historical Gem
The Bijou cocktail first appeared in print in the 1900s and quickly gained popularity among cocktail connoisseurs. Its name, “Bijou,” is a French word meaning “jewel,” and it’s a fitting title for a cocktail that sparkles with flavor and sophistication.
One of the notable aspects of the Bijou is its use of three distinctive spirits: gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse. These ingredients come together to create a balanced and elegant drink with a delightful interplay of herbal, sweet, and aromatic notes.
Bijou Cocktail Ingredients
- Gin (1 1/2 ounces or 45 ml): Gin serves as the foundation of the Bijou cocktail, providing its characteristic botanical and juniper notes. The choice of gin can influence the cocktail’s overall flavor, so consider using a high-quality gin with a well-defined profile.
- Sweet Vermouth (1 ounce or 30 ml): Sweet vermouth adds depth and sweetness to the Bijou. It is a fortified wine infused with a variety of botanicals and spices, offering a complex and slightly sweet character.
- Green Chartreuse (3/4 ounce or 22 ml): Green Chartreuse is a herbal liqueur crafted by Carthusian monks in France. It imparts herbal, floral, and mildly spicy notes to the cocktail, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
- Orange Bitters (2 dashes): Orange bitters provide a subtle citrusy aroma and enhance the overall complexity of the Bijou. Just a few dashes can make a significant difference in the final result.
- Garnish: Maraschino Cherry (optional): For a touch of sweetness and visual appeal, you can garnish your Bijou cocktail with a maraschino cherry. While optional, it adds a delightful finishing touch.
The Bijou Cocktail Recipe:
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools ready. You’ll need a mixing glass, ice, a stirring spoon, and a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Add the following ingredients into your mixing glass:
- 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) gin
- 1 ounce (30 ml) sweet vermouth
- 3/4 ounce (22 ml) green Chartreuse
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Step 3: Stir Until Well-Chilled
Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture gently but thoroughly until it is well-chilled. Stirring helps to properly dilute the cocktail and combine the flavors.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Using a strainer, carefully pour the well-chilled Bijou cocktail into a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass. The chilled glass ensures that your cocktail stays refreshing from the first sip to the last.
Step 5: Garnish
For an optional but delightful finishing touch, garnish your Bijou cocktail with a maraschino cherry. The cherry not only adds a pop of color but also a touch of sweetness that complements the cocktail’s complexity.
Step 6: Sip and Savor
With your Bijou cocktail in hand, take a moment to savor its blend of flavors.
The gin’s botanicals, the sweet vermouth’s richness, the Chartreuse’s herbal complexity, and the subtle hint of orange bitters come together to create a lovely cocktail experience.
Bijou Cocktail Variations:
While the classic Bijou cocktail is a true gem on its own, mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts often enjoy experimenting with variations. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Bijou Rouge: Swap out the green Chartreuse for yellow Chartreuse to create a Bijou Rouge, which offers a slightly different herbal profile.
- Bijou Royal: Add a dash of absinthe for an extra layer of complexity and anise flavor, creating a Bijou Royal.
- Bijou Martinez: Replace the orange bitters with Angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon twist to craft a Bijou Martinez.
Raise Your Glass to the Bijou Cocktail
The Bijou cocktail is a testament to the art of mixology and the possibilities that come from combining unique ingredients.
Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a newcomer, the Bijou offers a taste of elegance that is sure to be appreciated by all.
As you raise your glass to enjoy the Bijou, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity that have gone into this classic cocktail recipe. Cheers to the Bijou, a true gem in the world of mixology!
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