Bijou Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before serving to keep the drink cold without over-dilution.
• Use fresh ice and stir for exactly 30 seconds to achieve proper dilution and silky mouthfeel without over-watering.
• Measure each ingredient precisely at 3/4 oz—this equal-parts ratio is critical to the cocktail's balance.
• Add the orange bitters last and stir gently to distribute evenly throughout the drink.

Substitutions

• Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → any London Dry gin (Beefeater, Tanqueray preferred; avoid heavily botanicaled gins)
• Sweet Vermouth → Dolin vermouth de Chambéry (will be drier; increases herbal character)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served immediately after preparation and should not be stored.

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger · coupe or cocktail glass

What does a Bijou cocktail taste like?

The Bijou is herbal and balanced with slight sweetness from vermouth, botanical gin notes, and the distinctive minty-spice profile of green Chartreuse.

Can I substitute green Chartreuse in a Bijou?

Green Chartreuse is essential to the drink's character. Yellow Chartreuse will make it sweeter and less authentic; no direct substitute preserves the original flavor.

Should a Bijou be shaken or stirred?

Stir the Bijou with ice for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Stirring preserves the drink's silky texture.

What glassware is best for a Bijou?

Serve in a chilled coupe glass or cocktail glass, which showcases the drink's amber-green hue and keeps it cold.