French Martini riffs & variations

The French Martini is one of a few contemporary classic cocktails that boast worldwide broad consumer appeal.

Not actually a "Martini" at all, it comprises a simple combination of three ingredients: pineapple, vodka and black raspberry liqueur, but as with other simple drinks, there are numerous formulations and variations:

Le Frog
With: Islay single malt whisky, black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.
We say: A tasty Islay whisky-influenced riff on a French Martini.

Mexican Martini
With: Añejo tequila, black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.
We say: Considering tequila is replacing vodka in this French Martini riff, you'd think blanco tequila would work best. However, having tried this and reposado tequilas we found añejo works best with this cocktails tropical and berry fruitiness.

Francophile Martini
With: Dry gin, vodka, black raspberry liqueur, dry vermouth and pineapple juice.
We say: A simple variation on the vodka-based French Martini adding gin and dry vermouth to help justify its 'martini' name.

French Daiquiri
With: Light white rum, black raspberry liqueur, lime juice and pineapple juice.
We say: A classic Daiquiri made fruity with the addition of black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.

Very French Martini
With: Cognac, black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.
We say: Cognac, pineapple juice and black raspberry liqueur. OK, so France is not known for its pineapples but I said 'very' not 'totally' French. And yes I know it's not really a Martini.

French Bison-tini
With: Bison grass vodka, black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.
We say: A French Martini with the distinctive taste of Zubrowka.

Hot Tub
With: Vodka, pineapple juice, black raspberry liqueur and prosecco.
We say: Basically a French Martini with bubbles.

Flirtini
With: Vodka, black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.
We say: It's a French Martini - hard not to like.

Raspberry Sakeini
With: Raspberry vodka, black raspberry liqueur, sake and pineapple juice.
We say: Fruity with wafts of sake - reminiscent of a French Martini.

Urban Oasis
With: Orange vodka, raspberry vodka, black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.
We say: Alcoholic orange and raspberry sherbet - how bad is that? A crowd-pleasing drink.