Chambord – The French Black Raspberry Liqueur of Louis XIV
Is Chambord a liqueur or perfume? Looking at the prettily shaped bottle with its fancy gold stopper you could be excused in thinking that it’s a large bottle of costly perfume, but it is a French liqueur with royal origins, no less. The bottle design had not changed in nearly three decades until 1984 when the redesign allowed for an easier grip, longer neck for better pouring and a flat bottle top. The flat top was designed to appear like a raspberry made of jewels and replaced the ornate crown design.
Pity really, because I prefer the old crown lid to the new raspberry jewelled one. Chambord is described as an infusion of the world’s finest raspberries, blackberries and the exotic flavours of black raspberries, blackcurrant, Madagascar vanilla and cognac.
The French Liqueur of Louis XIV
According to legend, Chambord was inspired by a luxurious raspberry liqueur produced for King Louis XIV during his visit to Chateau Chambord in the 17th century. Today, Chambord continues to inspire cocktail and culinary creations around the world.
In my little part of the world I don’t get too carried away with Chambord inspired culinary creations, but I do enjoy the refreshing and easy to make, French Martini. French Martinis are made with Chambord and at my annual Christmas Eve parties, they are always very popular … no surprise, they are delicious!
Here is the recipe so you can create them yourself, only of course, if you are of legal drinking age in the country you reside.
French Martini Recipe
Ingredients for French Martini:
- 15 ml Chambord
- 50 m Vodka
- 60 ml Pineapple Juice
- Ice cubes
Method
- Mix Chambord, Vodka and Pineapple Juice over ice in shaker and give a vigorous shake.
- Pour mixture over strainer into martini glasses.
Chambord Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients for Chambord Vodka Lemonade:
- 25 ml Chambord
- 25 ml Vodka
- Lemonade
- Slice of lime
- Ice cubes
Method
- Mix Chambord and Vodka into a long glass filled with ice and top with lemonade. Add a slice of lime to garnish.
- Chambord is also perfect served simply over ice.
However, if you are looking for even more serving suggestions Chambord Online has a bunch of ideas on their funky website. For another elegant dinner party drink, get our recipe on champagne cocktails decorated with crystallised violets over on Toulouse: City of Violets.
Calvados is another traditional French liquor and it’s produced in the region of Calvados in Normandy. Read our blog post on this lovely region and it’s famous apple brandy, Calvados – The Apple Brandy of Normandy.
If you need help or advice Drinkaware “is an independent charity helping people make better choices about drinking” (Drinkaware).
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