Bijou
Also known as: Бижу, Bijou
Illustration generated by AI from the recipe’s glass, ice and garnish — not a photograph of a real pour.
- Method: stir
- Glass: Cocktail glass
- Ice: Ice for mixing.
- Garnish: No garnish required.
- ABV: 19%
Ingredients
- Orange bitters — 1 dash
- Green Chartreuse — 1 oz (30 ml)
- Gin — 1 oz (30 ml)
- Sweet Vermouth — 1 oz (30 ml)
How to make it
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin.
- Add sweet vermouth.
- Add green chartreuse.
- Add one dash of orange bitters.
- Stir the cocktail until chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.
Bijou is a classic cocktail featuring a harmonious blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and green chartreuse, accented with orange bitters.
The story
The Bijou cocktail originated in the late 19th century, with its name meaning 'jewel' in French, reflecting the three key ingredients: gin, green Chartreuse, and sweet vermouth, each representing a different gem. It gained popularity during the cocktail renaissance of the 1800s, particularly in the United States, and remains a classic due to its balanced flavor profile and historical significance in cocktail culture.
How it tastes
The Bijou offers a complex flavor profile, combining the herbal notes of green Chartreuse with the sweetness of vermouth and the botanical elements of gin. It is best served as an aperitif or at cocktail gatherings, appreciated for its depth and sophistication.
Getting it right
The key to a well-made Bijou lies in the precise balance of the ingredients and proper stirring technique. Stirring gently with ice ensures the cocktail is chilled and diluted to the right consistency without over-aerating, which can affect the flavor.
Variations
- Bijou 75 — A sparkling variation that adds champagne to the classic Bijou recipe, providing effervescence and lightness.
- Bijou No. 2 — This variation substitutes dry vermouth for sweet vermouth, resulting in a drier and more herbal flavor.
Substitutions
- Green Chartreuse — If unavailable, consider using a similar herbal liqueur like Yellow Chartreuse, though it will alter the flavor profile.
- Sweet Vermouth — You can substitute with a different sweet vermouth or even a fortified wine like Madeira for a unique twist.
Questions
- What does Bijou mean?
- Bijou means 'jewel' in French, referring to the cocktail's three key ingredients, each representing a different gemstone.
- Can I make a Bijou with vodka?
- While gin is traditional for a Bijou, using vodka will create a different flavor profile, losing the botanical elements that define the cocktail.
- Is there a non-alcoholic version of Bijou?
- Creating a non-alcoholic Bijou can be challenging, but using non-alcoholic gin alternatives and herbal teas can mimic some of the flavors.
This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.
Updated
Same Base
- Bijou Cocktail (Difford's recipe)
- Bijou shot
- Bikini Martini
- Bird of Paradise Gin Fizz
- Bitter Elder
- Bitter Elder Whip
