Bijou
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Bijou
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.7 / 5
Crisp and herbaceous, the classic Bijou cocktail from the late 1800s blends gin with a bouquet of herbs and spices from Chartreuse and vermouth. Crisp and herbaceous, the classic Bijou cocktail from the late 1800s blends gin with a bouquet of herbs and spices from Chartreuse and vermouth.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Green Chartreuse
Alcohol content
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37% | 3.33 units *

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Bijou cocktail is an herbal symphony, where the botanicals in gin, the rich complexity of Green Chartreuse, and the sweet notes of red vermouth dance harmoniously. Intended for the refined palate, this cocktail offers a glimpse into the opulent cocktail culture of the late 19th century.

Method
How to make a Bijou

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Stir all the ingredients with ice before straining into a chilled martini glass and serving

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Stir  · 

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FAQ's

ORIGINS_HISTORY

What is the history behind the Bijou cocktail?

The Bijou cocktail dates back to the late 19th century, having been first introduced in the 1890s by Harry Johnson, a pioneering bartender and author of the New and Improved Bartender's Manual. 'Bijou,' meaning 'jewel' in French, represents the drink's three primary ingredients: gin for diamond, vermouth for ruby, and Chartreuse for emerald, symbolizing the cocktail's jewel-like colors and premium taste.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

Why is the Bijou cocktail stirred and not shaken?

The Bijou cocktail is stirred and not shaken to ensure a smooth, well-blended mixture without diluting the drink too much or introducing air bubbles, which could make the cocktail cloudy. Stirring helps to maintain the integrity of the spirits and the delicate balance of flavors present in the Bijou.

GARNISHING_TIPS

What garnishes work well with a Bijou cocktail?

A classic garnish for a Bijou cocktail is a cherry or a lemon twist. The cherry adds a subtle sweetness and color contrast, while the lemon twist contributes a bright aroma and a slight zesty flavor, both complementing the herbal notes of the Green Chartreuse and the sweetness of the vermouth.

INGREDIENT_SUBSTITUTIONS

Can I substitute anything for Green Chartreuse in a Bijou cocktail?

While Green Chartreuse has a unique flavor profile that is hard to replicate, you can experiment with other herbal liqueurs if necessary. Yellow Chartreuse can be a milder alternative, although it will change the flavor profile slightly. For a non-alcoholic version, you might explore herbal or botanical syrups that mimic the complex flavors of Chartreuse, though the cocktail will notably differ from the original.

ALCOHOL_CONTENT_COMPARISON

How does the alcohol content in a Bijou cocktail compare to other classic cocktails?

With an alcohol content of 37%, the Bijou cocktail is on the stronger side compared to many classic cocktails. For instance, a classic Martini has an alcohol content around 32% while a Manhattan cocktail usually sits around 30%. This makes the Bijou a relatively stronger choice, given its high concentration of spirits and minimal dilution.

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