Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur Royale de France

Chambord is a French black raspberry liqueur whose recipe traces to a berry liqueur said to have been served to Louis the Fourteenth in the Loire in the seventeenth century, and whose crowned, orb shaped bottle nods to that royal heritage. The modern version infuses black raspberries and blackberries with Madagascan vanilla, citrus peel, honey and Cognac, bottled at a velvety 16.5%.

The nose is intense black raspberry and blackberry with vanilla and subtle citrus, and the palate is fruity and smooth, ripe berries with honey, vanilla and an elegant sweetness, closing long and velvety with a fine spice. Behind the bar it does several jobs at once, lending berry flavour, sweetness, body and a deep colour. It is the berry heart of the French Martini with vodka and pineapple, dresses a Kir Royale or a Champagne cocktail, and lifts a spritz or a fruity long drink with Prosecco and tonic. A measure also turns a Margarita or a sour fruit forward. Serve it chilled, and pour it long with sparkling wine.