Bijou Cocktail

Description

The Bijou Cocktail is a classic cocktail that originated in the late 19th century. Here’s a recipe for the Bijou Cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz green Chartreuse
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add gin, sweet vermouth, green Chartreuse, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

Note: The Bijou Cocktail is a strong and complex cocktail with a unique herbal flavor from the combination of gin and green Chartreuse. Adjust the amount of Chartreuse to your personal taste preference.

The Origin of the Bijou Cocktail

The Bijou Cocktail is a classic cocktail that is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, during the Golden Age of cocktails. Its name, which means “jewel” in French, is said to be a reference to the three main ingredients in the drink, which represent the colors of three different gems.

The exact origin of the Bijou Cocktail is unclear, but it is believed to have been created in either London or New York City. Some sources attribute its creation to a bartender named Harry Johnson, who wrote a book called “The New and Improved Bartender’s Manual” in 1882. Others believe that it was created by a bartender at the Holland House Hotel in New York City, which was a popular destination for drinkers during this time period.

Regardless of its origins, the Bijou Cocktail became a popular drink in both the United States and Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a favorite among cocktail connoisseurs and was often served at high-end bars and restaurants.

Although the Bijou Cocktail fell out of favor during the mid-20th century, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as classic cocktails have once again become in vogue. Today, it is still enjoyed by many as a sophisticated and delicious drink that represents the elegance and style of a bygone era.

Modern Bijou Cocktail Trends

The Bijou Cocktail has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly among craft cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders who enjoy working with classic recipes.

Some modern variations on the Bijou include substituting the gin for a more botanical or herbaceous gin, and adding or substituting other ingredients such as lavender bitters, absinthe, or Cointreau.

There has also been a trend towards incorporating more sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, such as using foraged herbs and flowers or homemade tinctures in place of store-bought ingredients.

Related Сocktails

The Bijou Cocktail is a classic cocktail that has inspired many variations over the years. Some related cocktails include:

1. The Tuxedo Cocktail – a similar gin-based cocktail that also uses vermouth and a small amount of absinthe.
2. The Trilby Cocktail – a variation of the Bijou that uses a combination of gin, sweet vermouth, and green chartreuse.
3. The Brooklyn Cocktail – a cocktail that uses rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and maraschino liqueur, which is similar to the Bijou but with a different spirit.
4. The Eureka Cocktail – a variation of the Bijou that uses orange bitters instead of angostura bitters and orange curaçao instead of green chartreuse.
5. The Left Bank Cocktail – a cocktail that uses gin, elderflower liqueur, and dry vermouth, which is a lighter and fruitier variation of the Bijou.
6. The Green Dragon Cocktail – a variation of the Bijou that uses gin, green chartreuse, and lime juice, which gives the cocktail a more citrusy and herbal flavor.

These cocktails are all variations of the Bijou and have their own unique twists and flavors.