The Arnaud Martini cocktail, a cocktail that has become a classic
The Arnaud Martini or Parisian Night cocktail is a tribute to Yvonne Arnaud, an artist who was a singer, pianist and actress. She was an iconic figure of the early 20th century and a symbol of the glamour and audacity of the Roaring Twenties. She began her career in France and triumphed on the prestigious stages of the Adelphi Theatre, the Shaftesbury Theatre and London’s West End. Then, she made a name for herself in cinema.
Her career led her to collaborate with the greatest conductors, to shine in nearly twenty films, and even on the stage of Broadway.
In the 1950s, gin and spirits brands often created ‘signature’ cocktails in honour of celebrities. Yvonne Arnaud, with her unique background, was the ideal choice to embody a cocktail that was both French and British.
What is a martini cocktail ?
The martini cocktail is an iconic cocktail in mixology around the world. And no, it’s not just vermouth from a famous Italian brand.
Originally, the Martini consisted of only two ingredients: equal parts gin and dry vermouth. Its history dates back to the 19th century, when a cocktail called the ‘Martinez’ is said to have inspired its name. In its original version, the Martini was much sweeter, often prepared with Old Tom gin.
Everything changed with the arrival of dry gin, which was drier and more full-bodied. At the beginning of the 20th century, bartenders refined the recipe, adopting a mixture of two-thirds gin to one-third vermouth, giving it the iconic taste we know today.
The Martini experienced a real boom during Prohibition in the United States. It became a symbol of resistance and sophistication. In the 1950s, it embodied a certain lifestyle and became a cultural phenomenon.
Thanks to James Bond, the vodka martini became legendary, popularising the famous phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
Today, the Martini comes in countless variations, while remaining a staple of cocktail bars. The most famous martinis are Espresso martini and Pornstar martini.
What is an Arnaud Martini cocktail?
The Arnaud Martini cocktail is made with equal parts gin, dry vermouth and crème de cassis. The classic Martini is reinvented with a bold and fruity twist thanks to the addition of crème de cassis.
For the crème de cassis, we recommend crème de cassis from Dijon, a liqueur protected by a geographical indication. This liqueur brings a new twist to a classic cocktail, adding fruity and indulgent notes that balance the bitterness of the gin.
Beyond its taste, crème de cassis adds a deep, ruby colour to the cocktail, giving it a sophisticated look that is ideal for enhancing a tasting or aperitif. This hue adds a feminine touch to the recipe. It pays homage to Yvonne Arnaud, while retaining the power and character of the traditional martini.
Finally, the sweetness of the liqueur slightly softens the whole, making the cocktail more accessible without sacrificing its complexity.
The result? A perfect balance between tradition and innovation, for a martini that is both powerful and deliciously fruity.
For those who like to vary their pleasures and who particularly appreciate our crème de cassis, we recommend the Spritz Bourguignon. It offers an equally captivating summer alternative, bringing freshness and sparkle ! ☀