In the world of classic cocktails, few drinks shine as brightly as the Bijou—a name that means “jewel” in French, and for good reason.
Meaning “jewel” in French, the Bijou earns its name from the brilliant colors of its three primary ingredients—gin, Green Chartreuse, and dry vermouth—each said to represent a different precious stone. The result? A perfectly balanced, herbaceous, and complex cocktail that deserves a place in every cocktail enthusiast’s repertoire.
A Sparkling History
The Bijou was first crafted in the late 19th century by legendary bartender Harry Johnson, whose 1900 edition of Bartender’s Manual includes one of the earliest known recipes.
Like many pre-Prohibition classics, the cocktail faded into obscurity but has been revived in modern cocktail bars thanks to a renewed appreciation for historical drinks.
The Perfect Composition
This version of the Bijou keeps things beautifully simple, using equal parts of three key ingredients, plus a dash of orange bitters:
- Gin – The crisp, botanical backbone. A London dry gin works well, but a more citrus-forward gin can also add depth.
- Green Chartreuse – The emerald-green herbal liqueur made by Carthusian monks, with over 130 secret botanicals.
- Dry Vermouth – A lighter, drier contrast to balance the richness of the Chartreuse.
- Orange Bitters – A subtle citrus note to round out the flavors.
A dash of orange bitters adds a subtle citrusy brightness that elevates the entire drinking experience. The result is a cocktail that is at once delicate and powerful, with layers of botanical complexity that unfold with each sip.
Tasting Notes
The Bijou is not for the faint of heart. The gin provides a crisp, juniper-forward base, while the Green Chartreuse contributes an intense herbal complexity with its secret blend of 130 plants and herbs. The dry vermouth softens the edges, creating a harmonious blend that is at once sharp and smooth.
Modern Variations
Adventurous bartenders have begun experimenting with the Bijou, sometimes replacing the dry vermouth with sweet vermouth or adjusting the ratios to suit more contemporary palates. However, purists will argue that the original balance is what makes this cocktail truly special.
The Bijou is an example of cocktail alchemy at its finest—a drink that proves sometimes, equal parts can create perfect harmony. Whether you’re a fan of gin, an admirer of Chartreuse, or simply in search of a sophisticated classic, the Bijou deserves a spot in your cocktail rotation.
Bijou
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Green Chartreuse
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Garnish: lemon twist or cherry
Instructions
- Stir the gin, Green Chartreuse, dry vermouth, and orange bitters with ice in a mixing glass until well chilled.
- Strain into a Nick and Nora glass or stemmed cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry