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Bijou Cocktail

A classic gin-based cocktail combining gin, green Chartreuse, dry vermouth, and orange bitters in equal parts, garnished with a cherry and lemon twist.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Classic Cocktail, French
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 ounce gin London Dry style works best
  • 1/2 ounce green Chartreuse
  • 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
  • 2 dashes of orange bitters
  • 1 cherry for garnish preferably a cocktail cherry
  • 1 lemon twist for citrus oil and garnish
  • Ice for chilling

Equipment

  • Bar jigger or measuring spoon
  • Mixing glass or small bowl
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Cocktail strainer
  • Coupe glass or martini glass
  • Julep strainer (optional)
  • Citrus peeler or vegetable peeler
  • Cocktail pick or skewer

Method
 

  1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
  2. Pour 1/2 ounce gin into a mixing glass using a bar jigger for precise measurement.
  3. Add 1/2 ounce green Chartreuse to the mixing glass with the gin.
  4. Pour 1/2 ounce dry vermouth into the mixing glass to complete the spirit base.
  5. Dash two shakes of orange bitters over the spirits, then fill the mixing glass with ice.
  6. Stir the mixture for 15 to 20 seconds with a bar spoon to chill and dilute the drink properly.
  7. Strain the chilled cocktail into the chilled coupe or martini glass using a cocktail strainer.
  8. Use a peeler to cut a thin twist of lemon peel, then twist it over the glass to express the oils.
  9. Skewer a cherry on a cocktail pick and rest it on the rim or float it in the drink; drop the lemon twist into the glass.
  10. Serve the Bijou immediately while it is perfectly chilled and enjoy.

Notes

Chill your mixing glass with ice water for 30 seconds before building the drink for a colder final cocktail without over-diluting it.