The Bijou cocktail is one of the elegant cocktails that emerged during the golden age of America's classic bar culture in the late 19th century. The recipe is thought to have been first published by the famous bartender and author Harry Johnson. The recipe in Johnson's bar book published in 1900 reflects the sophisticated cocktail mentality of the time.
"Bijou" means jewel in French and the name of the cocktail is inspired by the colors of the three main spirits used.
Gin is considered a diamond, sweet vermouth a ruby and green chartreuse an emerald. Bijou is therefore the glass equivalent of a jewelry collection.
“True elegance comes not from being flashy, but from the perfect harmony of the right pieces”
At the end of the 19th century, bars in America were full of aromatic and strong cocktails. The balanced mix of gin, vermouth and liqueurs was very popular at the time. However, as tastes have changed over time, strong and intensely flavored cocktails like Bijou have taken a back seat.
With the craft cocktail movement that started in the 2000s, the Bijou was rediscovered. Modern bars have reinterpreted this cocktail, sometimes changing the proportions, sometimes using different bitters. But the classic version is still revered for its elegant and balanced character.
Today, Bijou is considered one of the most refined examples of classic cocktail culture, especially for lovers of aromatic and strong cocktails.
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Ingredients
Unit System
30 mlGin
30 mlSweet Vermouth
30 mlGreen Chartreuse
1 dashOrange Bitters
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Method
1
Fill the mixing glass with ice.
2
Add gin, sweet vermouth and green chartreuse.
3
Add orange bitters.
4
Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-25 seconds.
5
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
6
Garnish with maraschino cherry or lemon peel.
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Bartender Tips
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For a more balanced taste -Chartreuse has a very strong aroma. For a lighter profile, the proportion can be slightly reduced.
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Pre-chill the glass -Chilling the coupe glass briefly with ice or in the freezer before serving brings out the flavors of the cocktail better.
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Classic garnish -Maraschino cherries are a traditional garnish at Bijou and add a slightly sweet flavor to the cocktail.
Hanky Panky - An aromatic and powerful classic cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca. It offers a deep and characterful drink with herbal notes.
