Bijou (cocktail)

Bijou (cocktail)

The Bijou is a classic cocktail that originated in the late 19th century. It is a sophisticated and elegant drink that combines the flavors of gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse. The name "Bijou" is French for "jewel," which perfectly captures the luxurious and gem-like qualities of this cocktail.

Ingredients

To make a Bijou cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces of gin
• 3/4 ounce of sweet vermouth
• 3/4 ounce of green Chartreuse
• Dash of orange bitters
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare a Bijou cocktail:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, green Chartreuse, and orange bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir well for about 30 seconds to chill the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist by twisting the peel over the drink to release its oils, then place it on the rim of the glass.

Variations

While the classic Bijou cocktail recipe remains popular, there are a few variations that you can try:

• Diamond Bijou: Substitute the gin with vodka for a smoother and less juniper-forward flavor profile.
• Ruby Bijou: Replace the green Chartreuse with red or yellow Chartreuse for a different herbal twist.
• Sapphire Bijou: Swap the gin with blue curaçao to give the cocktail a vibrant blue color.

History

The Bijou cocktail was first documented in the late 19th century and gained popularity during the "Golden Age" of cocktails. It is believed to have been created by Harry Johnson, a prominent bartender and author of the influential book "Bartenders' Manual" published in 1882. The Bijou cocktail was included in the book, showcasing its early recognition and appeal.

See Also

• Cocktail
• Gin
• Sweet vermouth
• Green Chartreuse
• Orange bitters