The French have long perfected the art of the apéritif - a moment to pause, connect, and begin the evening with intention. Whether you're preparing for a cozy dinner party or simply unwinding after the day, few things feel as chic and effortless as the Olivette Cocktail. If you wished that enjoyed gin martinis, but find them too strong, this recipe is for you!
The Olivette cocktail is light yet flavorful, with just the right amount of floral softness from St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Balanced by dry vermouth and an aromatic dry gin, and finished with a single green olive, the Olivette Cocktail is everything I love in a French apéritif: simple, elegant, and timeless.
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The Olivette Cocktail
One of my all-time favorite French martinis. A gin cocktail that is softened by the addition of St Germain.
Ingredients
- ½ oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 1 oz Noilly Prat dry vermouth
- 1 oz dry gin (Bombay Sapphire or Plymouth Gin work beautifully)
- Ice cubes
- 1 green olive for garnish
- Optional: a lemon twist or lemon peel for added citrus aroma
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine gin, dry vermouth, and St-Germain with a handful of ice cubes.
- Stir gently, or shake in a cocktail shaker for a colder, slightly frothy finish.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a green olive or, for a lighter citrus note, a lemon twist.
This gin and vermouth cocktail is crisp, fragrant, and refreshingly floral-perfect for a sophisticated start to the evening.
A Gin Cocktail with French Elegance
The Olivette Cocktail is inspired by the classic martini but softened by the floral sweetness of St-Germain liqueur. Its profile is delicate yet confident, with the structure of a traditional gin cocktail and the subtle sweetness of elderflower.
This one quickly became a favorite at home-especially during apéro hour with my husband, Le Chef.
You can also explore a mix of gins to find your preferred balance-whether citrus-forward, herbal, or spicy.
Le Chef's Tip
- Always chill your martini glass before pouring for a smooth, restaurant-quality sip.
- Garnish with either a green olive, lemon peel, or rosemary sprig depending on the mood.
- Want a touch more sweetness? Add a drop of simple syrup to round out the bitterness.
- A dash of orange bitters can lend added depth and complexity.
This cocktail is also easy to adapt-especially if you're short on one ingredient or looking to impress at your next dinner party.
What to Serve with the Olivette Cocktail
The Olivette makes a stunning first impression at any dinner party, especially when served with:
- Gougères - the warm, cheesy French puffs everyone loves
- Tapenade on crostini - savory and Provençal
- Marinated olives - infused with herbes de Provence
- Herbed almonds - lightly salted and roasted with rosemary
- Duck Magret with Apples - an elegant entrée to follow apéro hour
Variation:
If you enjoy sparkling drinks, you can even top your Olivette with a splash of sparkling wine for a festive twist-another nod to the French love of Champagne-based apéritifs.
FAQ
What is the Olivette Cocktail?
The Olivette is one of my all-time favorite French martinis. It's a refined cocktail that brings together dry gin, Noilly Prat dry vermouth, and the delicate sweetness of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, garnished with a single green olive. It's floral, crisp, and wonderfully elegant-a beautiful choice for apéro hour or a summer dinner party.
You'll only need four ingredients:
½ oz St-Germain
1 oz Noilly Prat dry vermouth
1 oz dry gin (I like to use Bombay Sapphire for its floral and citrus notes)
1 green olive, for garnish
In true French fashion, the method is simple and sophisticated:
Add the gin, vermouth, and St-Germain to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well until the drink is fully chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with one green olive. That's it!
St-Germain is what makes the Olivette truly special. This elderflower liqueur brings soft floral and fruity notes-think pear, peach, and a hint of citrus-that round out the intensity of the gin and vermouth, creating a balanced, aromatic cocktail that's both strong and smooth.
Yes-like most martini-style cocktails, the Olivette is spirit-forward. But thanks to the St-Germain, it feels more refined and approachable, making it a lovely apéritif, even for guests who don't usually choose martinis.
Absolutely. While I often shake the Olivette for a crisp, icy finish, you can also stir it in a mixing glass with ice if you prefer a smoother, silkier texture. Both are delicious-choose what suits your mood.
Oui, oui! The green olive is not just for show. It adds a subtle briny contrast to the floral sweetness of the St-Germain, grounding the cocktail in a classic martini structure with a French twist.
You'll find the Olivette featured in my roundup of 10 Easy French Cocktails, along with other elegant favorites like the Kir Royale and the refreshing St-Germain Spritz. Perfect for a summer soirée or a quiet evening on the terrace.
A Toast to French Apéro Culture
The Olivette Cocktail is more than just a drink. It's an invitation to slow down, connect, and savor. Whether you're serving it for friends or sipping it solo in the kitchen while dinner roasts in the oven, this cocktail adds a note of joy and intention to the evening.
If you make it, I'd love to see your take - tag me on Instagram @lechefswife. Nothing delights me more than seeing your apéro hour unfold in beautiful little rituals.
Santé!
Le Chef's Wife
ABOUT LE CHEF'S WIFE
Bonjour! I am Anina Belle. I translate the fancy cooking of my Michelin-star trained French Chef Husband, Le Chef, into easy to make dishes that busy people with no culinary training (like me!) can make at home. We have two young kids (7 and 4) and I work full time in addition to this blog. I strongly believe that even busy people deserve to eat well at home.
Look inside our Kitchen with this recent Washington Post Article. We were recently featured on the TODAY SHOW for our recipes of French Onion Soup Gratinée and Moelleux au Chocolat. You can watch our full segment here:
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MORE DRINKS
- 10 Easy French Cocktails
- Kir Royale Cocktail
- Vin Chaud au Grand Marnier Recipe
- Sparkling Rosemary Peach Piscine Cocktail
Olivette Cocktail Recipe (A French Martini with St-Germain)
Description
The Olivette Cocktail is a French Gin martini with the addition of St-Germain liqueur for a sweet, floral note that cuts the bite of the gin. If you wish that you loved a dirty gin martini but find them too strong, the Olivette is for you! A softer alternative to a classic dirty martini that looks exactly the same in the glass.
Ingredients
-
- ½ oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
-
- 1 oz Noilly Prat dry vermouth
-
- 1 oz dry gin (Bombay Sapphire or Plymouth Gin work beautifully)
-
- Ice cubes
-
- 1 green olive for garnish
-
- Optional: a lemon twist or lemon peel for added citrus aroma
Instructions
-
- In a mixing glass, combine gin, dry vermouth, and St-Germain with a handful of ice cubes.
-
- Stir gently, or shake in a cocktail shaker for a colder, slightly frothy finish.
-
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
-
- Garnish with a green olive or, for a lighter citrus note, a lemon twist.
Notes
Le Chef's Tip
- Always chill your martini glass before pouring for a smooth, restaurant-quality sip.
- Garnish with either a green olive, lemon peel, or rosemary sprig depending on the mood.
- Want a touch more sweetness? Add a drop of simple syrup to round out the bitterness.
- A dash of orange bitters can lend added depth and complexity.
This cocktail is also easy to adapt-especially if you're short on one ingredient or looking to impress at your next dinner party
Puhh Watt says
This Olivette Cocktail recipe is absolutely divine—a gorgeous twist on the classic French Martini! The bright freshness of fresh lime juice harmonizes beautifully with the sweet depth of St‑Germain and the vibrant raspberry liqueur. I was instantly transported to a chic Parisian terrace with my first sip. The balance between fruity, floral, and crisp tang is spot-on—no one ingredient overpowers the others.
I made it exactly as written and was delighted with how sneakily elegant it feels: light, refreshing, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests. I’m already planning to make a double batch for an upcoming dinner party. The only tweak I might try next time is a garnish twist of lemon rind or a few fresh raspberries, but really, it’s perfect as is. Bravo—this is now my go-to cocktail for summertime soirées!