Summer may be over, but this heat and humidity we’re still having on the East Coast calls for something cold and refreshing like the Bijou — the jewel of cocktails, with gin, Chartreuse and sweet vermouth.
Many recipes I’ve seen combine these three ingredients in equal amounts, with the addition of orange bitters. I prefer a drink that’s heavier on gin, and tones down the herbal qualities of the Chartreuse and vermouth.
I also experimented with which vermouth I liked best. Normally I love mixing Antica Formula in Manhattan-style drinks, and at first I assumed I’d like it here, too (hence its appearance in the picture). But for the Bijou, I think something less bold, like Martini & Rossi, results in a more refreshing drink that’s not so heavily medicinal.
the bijou
1 1/2 oz. gin
3/4 oz. sweet vermouth
1/2 – 3/4 oz. Chartreuse
1 dash orange bitters
Stir. Strain.
stirred 