The Bijou, a pre-Prohibition cocktail, dazzles like its French namesake, the "jewel". Combining gin, sweet Italian vermouth, green Chartreuse and orange bitters, this cocktail delivers a cascade of flavors. David Wondrich credits the first documented recipe for the Bijou to 1895 in his renowned book, "The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails".

The Bijou has two formulations tracing back to St. Louis and Cincinnati. In the Gateway City, it was a mixture of Cognac and Grand Marnier. Meanwhile, in the Queen City, the cocktail was an equal blend of Grand Marnier, Plymouth gin, and Italian vermouth.

The Bijou we recognize today is the result of innovative bartender Harry Johnson, who refashioned it in the 1900 edition of his bartender guidebook, switching out the Grand Marnier for green Chartreuse. Johnson's tweak to the recipe became an industry classic during the early 2000s cocktail revival and remains the reference point for bartenders.

When mixed in equal proportions, the Bijou stands parallel to the Negroni in taste - a gin base, Italian vermouth's sweetness and the herby tastes of a liqueur. Famous bartender Dale DeGroff influenced this take on the Bijou that meets more closely to a traditional Martinez due to measured use of sweetening ingredients.

Despite its modest list of ingredients, the Bijou has a surprisingly sophisticated blend of flavors. The juniper and other botanicals in the gin are complemented by the green Chartreuse, a pairing also notable in the Last Word cocktail. Sweet Italian vermouth offers rich undertones of velvety sweetness, while dashes of orange bitters give the beverage a citrusy finish.

To make this delightful cocktail, you'll need the following quantities: 1 1/2 ounces gin, 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth, 1/2 ounce green Chartreuse, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Combine all these sans garnish in a mixing glass filled with ice, stirring well for about 20 to 30 seconds until well chilled. Pour your well-chilled cocktail into a Nick & Nora glass or coupe. To complete the cocktail, garnish with a twist of lemon and a maraschino cherry. Enjoy the timeless blend of history and modern cocktail artistry.