1 1⁄2 oz Gin, Hendrick's
3⁄4 oz Dry vermouth, Ransom
1⁄2 oz Herbal liqueur, Green Chartreuse
1 ? Brandied cherry
Instructions

Stir, strain, up, garnish w/ a brandied cherry

Notes

The Ransom Vermouth makes this drink--there can be no substitution

History

I've always liked the concept of the classic Bijou, but it's been far too sweet for my taste. Adding citrus--though much improved in flavor--always clouded the drink and eliminated the "jewel" appearance.

This interpretation still keeps the sweet herbal nature of the original drink, but the substitution for the Ransom vermouth is perfection, and the addition of St. Germain help keep it balanced--sweet, but interesting

Cocktail summary
Picture of Bijou Bohème
2011 Kindred Cocktails
Created by
Jason Westplate, Harry Johnson: "New and Improved Bartender Manual"
Year
2013
Is an
altered recipe
Curator
Not yet rated
Average
4.5 stars
(24 ratings)
YieldsDrink
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From other users
  • A bit sweet for my taste, next time will up the gin or reduce the elderflower. Other full flavor but not overly sweet dry vermouths might work. Might try Le Quintinye Vermouth Royal Extra Dry. I think though that something like Dolin would disappoint.
  • 1.5 oz -- gin 0.75 oz -- dolin dry vermouth 0.5 oz -- green chartreuse 0.125 oz -- st. germain 0.125 oz -- lemon juice lemon peel
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Comments

Sorry I don't agree that there's no substitution with the Ransom, subbed Dolin Blanc and Genepy and yes the resulting drink is softer, and slightly sweeter upfront but still fairly balanced given the overt bittering, especially in the aftertaste; but what do I know, I'm just a drinker not a mixologist.


Subbed Nikka Coffey gin and ginjo sake for the vermouth... fantastic