Bijou


A complex, jewel-toned trio of gin, sweet vermouth, and Green Chartreuse.


Base spirit
Gin
Style
Spirit-forward
Glassware
Coupe

The Bijou (French for 'Jewel') is a rich, herbal cocktail named for the colors of its components: gin for diamond, sweet vermouth for ruby, and Green Chartreuse for emerald. It drinks like a heavy, herbal Negroni, with a thick mouthfeel and intense aromatic profile. It is a slow-sipping classic that showcases the power of Chartreuse when used in equal (or near-equal) measure. It dates back to the 1890s but found new life in the modern craft revival.


A Bijou in a coupe with a lemon twist and cherry.

Ingredients

Servings
  • 1.5 oz gin
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1 oz Green Chartreuse
  • 1 dash orange bitters

Did you know?

The drink's name specifically references the jewels represented by the ingredients: diamond (gin), ruby (vermouth), and emerald (Chartreuse).

Source:Harry Johnson's Bartenders' Manual (1900)

Bartender's Note

The traditional 1:1:1 ratio can be overwhelming; modern palates often prefer a 1.5:1:1 or 2:1:1 ratio to let the gin shine.

How to make the Bijou

  1. 1Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
  2. 2Stir well to chill and dilute
  3. 3Strain into a chilled coupe
  4. 4Garnish with a lemon twist and cherry

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