Tuxedo
The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
Bijou Cocktail Recipe
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Bijou Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:8g
Alcohol percent:30%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Bijou cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 19th century. It was created by Harry Johnson, a famous bartender and author of the first bartending book, 'Bartender's Manual'. The name 'Bijou' means 'jewel' in French, and the cocktail is named after its three main ingredients, which represent three jewels: gin (diamond), sweet vermouth (ruby), and green Chartreuse (emerald). This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced, herbal, and slightly sweet drink.
How Bijou Tastes?
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
Interesting facts about Bijou
- The Bijou cocktail was first mentioned in Harry Johnson's 'Bartender's Manual' in 1882.
- The original recipe called for equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse, but modern versions often adjust the proportions to create a more balanced flavor.
- The Bijou is often garnished with a cherry or a lemon twist to add a touch of brightness and contrast to the rich, herbal flavors.
Ingredients
- Gin: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Sweet vermouth: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Green chartreuse: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange bitters: 1dash
- Lemon twist: 1
A few good options for Bijou are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
GIN: 1.5oz
The gin is the foundation of the Bijou cocktail, providing a canvas of juniper and botanicals that the other ingredients embellish. Too much gin would overpower the gentle balance, too little, and it disappears into the background.
Emma Rose
SWEET VERMOUTH: 0.75oz
Sweet vermouth brings a velvety richness and sweet complexity to the mix. It's like the glue that binds the gin to the green Chartreuse. If omitted, the cocktail would lose its sweet depth and harmony.
Alex Green
GREEN CHARTREUSE: 0.5oz
This mysterious elixir adds an herbaceous punch. It's like the spice that makes the cocktail sing—a smaller amount and you'd miss its choir in the blend; too much, and it'd be all you taste.
Mary Mitkina
ORANGE BITTERS: 1 dash
A dash does the trick, adding subtle, sunny citrus notes. It's the salt in your caramel—without it, the drink could fall flat.
Emma Rose
LEMON TWIST: 1
The lemon twist is the final flourish, the zest that wakes up the palate before the drink even touches your lips. If you skip it, the cocktail would lose that bright greeting.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Bijou Drink
- In a mixing glass, combine the following ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.75 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.5 oz green Chartreuse
- 1 dash of orange bitters
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir well to chill and dilute the cocktail.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink and placing it on the rim of the glass.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: The Bijou cocktail is a simple drink with few ingredients, so the quality of each ingredient will greatly affect the final taste.
- Chill your glassware: This will help to keep your cocktail cold for longer.
- Express the lemon twist: This will release the oils and add a fresh citrus aroma to your drink.
Perfect Pairings
Cheese
- Gouda: The rich creaminess balances the herbaceous notes of the cocktail.
- Blue cheese: The strong, pungent flavor complements the Bijou's complexity.
Charcuterie
- Prosciutto: Salty and sweet, its savoriness pairs perfectly with the botanicals in the gin.
- Chorizo: The spiciness can highlight the zesty notes from the orange bitters.
Chocolate
- Dark chocolate (70% or higher): The bitterness matches well with the herbal undertones.
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What you could change in Bijou
- Gin: You can substitute the gin with vodka for a less botanical flavor.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used for a less sweet and more herbal flavor.
- Green Chartreuse: Yellow Chartreuse can be used for a milder and sweeter flavor.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Bijou Royale
- Add 0.5 oz of champagne instead of stirring with ice. This gives a fizzy lift and slight dryness to play against the sweet and herbaceous notes.
Smoky Bijou
- Replace gin with mezcal. The smokiness of mezcal twists the Bijou into a cocktail with depth and a mysterious edge that is perfect for those who adore a hint of smoke.
Bijou Bijou
- Double the amount of green Chartreuse and add a sprig of fresh rosemary as garnish. The result is a more robust herbal profile, for when you want your senses to take a walk through a lush green forest after a rainstorm.
In case you forgot basics how to make Bijou
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Bijou
What type of glass is best for serving a Bijou cocktail?
Traditionally, a Bijou cocktail is served in a chilled coupe or martini glass. However, some bartenders may also serve it in a rocks glass.
Can I prepare a Bijou cocktail in advance?
Yes, you can mix all the ingredients without the ice and store it in your fridge. Right before serving, mix it with ice to chill and dilute it.
What are some good food pairings with the Bijou cocktail?
Bijou cocktail pairs well with savoury dishes like steak or fries. Its herbal and slightly sweet taste can balance the salty and fatty flavors.
What's the significance of the name 'Bijou'?
'Bijou' is French for 'jewel'. This cocktail is named after three main ingredients which represent three jewels.
What can I do if I don't have orange bitters on hand?
If you don't have orange bitters, you could use a general aromatic bitters like Angostura. However, be aware that the taste might slightly change.
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