Bijou recipe
Gin, sweet vermouth, and Green Chartreuse make a jewel-toned stirred classic with real depth.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Nick & Nora glass ·
Time: 4 min ·
Difficulty: Advanced ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 1 oz London Dry Gin
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Green Chartreuse
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
How to make a Bijou
- Chill a Nick & Nora glass.
- Add gin, sweet vermouth, Green Chartreuse, and orange bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir steadily for 25 to 30 seconds.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Finish with a lemon twist for lift or a cherry for a rounder finish.
Garnish
Lemon twist or brandied cherry.
Pro tip
The equal-parts formula is bold. If your vermouth is particularly sweet, start with 1 1/4 oz gin and 3/4 oz each of the other two ingredients.
History of the Bijou
Harry Johnson printed the Bijou in his 1900 bartender's manual. The name means jewel in French, with gin representing diamond, vermouth ruby, and Chartreuse emerald.
Flavour profile
Herbal, Spice, Sweet, Boozy
Variations
- White Bijou — Use blanc vermouth and Yellow Chartreuse for a softer gold-toned drink.
- Bijou Highball — Pour a half-size Bijou over ice and top with soda.
- Dry Bijou — Use 1 1/2 oz gin, 3/4 oz vermouth, and 3/4 oz Chartreuse.
Practise making the Bijou in the free Virtual Bar game.