Olivette Cocktail Recipe (A French Martini with St-Germain)

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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.

Le Chefs Wife pours a cocktail. two glasses of olivette gin martini on a table with a bottle of bombay sapphire gin , noilly prat vermouth and st-germain in the background

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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.

two glasses of olivette gin martini on a table with a bottle of bombay sapphire gin , noilly prat vermouth and st-germain in the background and big green olives ready to be served with the martini

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.

two glasses of olivette gin martini on a table with a bottle of bombay sapphire gin , noilly prat vermouth and st-germain in the background

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.

What ingredients do I need to make an Olivette Cocktail?

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

How do I prepare it?

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!

Why use St-Germain in a martini?

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.

Is the Olivette a strong cocktail?

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.

Can I stir instead of shake?

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.

Is the olive garnish important?

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.

Where can I find more French cocktail recipes like this?

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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