Bijou

Bijou is a bright, elegant cocktail recipe with a smooth herbal character and a rich, gently spiced finish. This classic drink feels crisp and balanced, with layers of citrus, botanicals, and subtle sweetness. If you want to know how to enjoy a timeless sipper with a refined modern feel, Bijou is a beautiful choice. It is a standout cocktail recipe for relaxed evenings and stylish entertaining.

Glass

Coupe

Prep Time

5 min

Difficulty

Medium

Alchol

Ingredients

1

1 oz gin

2

1 oz green Chartreuse

3

1 oz sweet vermouth

4

1 dash orange bitters

5

Garnish: lemon twist

Steps

1

Step 1

Chill a coupe glass and gather gin, sweet vermouth, Green Chartreuse, and orange bitters.
2

Step 2

Fill a mixing glass with ice, then add gin, sweet vermouth, Green Chartreuse, and orange bitters.
3

Step 3

Stir well until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled and properly diluted.
4

Step 4

Strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass.
5

Step 5

Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.

Flavor Profile

History

The Bijou cocktail was created in the late 1800s and is often credited to bartender Harry Johnson. Its name means jewel in French, referring to the gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse as three bright gems in the glass. The Bijou remains a classic pre Prohibition cocktail known for its elegant European influence and lasting appeal among cocktail lovers.

FAQ

What is a Bijou cocktail?
A Bijou is a classic gin cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse. It is spirit forward, herbal, and slightly sweet, with a rich and aromatic flavor.
How strong is a Bijou cocktail?
The Bijou is considered a fairly strong cocktail because it is made entirely with spirits and no juice or mixer. It usually has a similar strength to a Martini or Manhattan, depending on the pour.
What does green Chartreuse add to a Bijou?
Green Chartreuse gives the Bijou its bold herbal character and a slightly spicy, complex finish. It is one of the key ingredients, so the drink will taste quite different without it.
Can I substitute green Chartreuse in a Bijou?
You can try another herbal liqueur if needed, but the flavor will not be exactly the same. Genepy is sometimes used as a lighter alternative, though it is less intense and less complex.
How should a Bijou be served?
A Bijou is usually stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass. It is often finished with an orange twist, which adds a bright citrus aroma.
Is the Bijou similar to a Martini?
It has some similarities because gin and vermouth are both involved, but the green Chartreuse makes it much more herbal and layered. The result is deeper, sweeter, and more aromatic than a classic Martini.