Chambord (also called Chambord Liqueur Royale de France) is a liqueur made from raspberries and blackberries in a spirit base that has additional flavors of herbs and vanilla. It is named for the Chateau Chambord in the Loire Valley, and is based from a recipe dating back to the 17th century that was drunk by Louis XIV on his visit to the chateau.
The production of Chambord is a three step process. In the first, fruit is macerated in neutral spirits for four weeks. After this infusion, the spirit is drawn off and a second addition of spirit washes the fruit and extracts a different set of flavors. After a few more weeks, the fruit is pressed to extract sugars, flavor, and the alcohol. Next, the berry infused alcohol is blended with raspberry extracts, herbs, vanilla, and Cognac. Finally, a master blender verifies the flavor profile and makes necessary changes.
Chambord is a vibrant raspberry reddish-purple color and clear. It is fairly sweet, and 33 proof. It smells and tastes like wild rasberries, with accents of honey and herbs.
Some popular cocktails containing Chambord
- Smoked Pear — Gin, Pear liqueur, Aromatized wine, Mezcal, Chambord, Orange peel
- Poinsettia Punch (JMW's) — Gin, Chambord, Allspice Dram, Bitters, Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters, Cardamom bitters, Lemon juice, Cinnamon syrup, Lemon peel
- Flue-cured — Rye, Chambord, Spiced Rum, Fernet Branca, Elderflower liqueur, Bitters, Campari, Orange bitters
- Sichuan Firework — Baijiu, Cynar, Chambord, Bitters, Grapefruit juice, Simple syrup
- Wyoming Summer — Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Chambord, Lemon juice
- No Moon At All — Gin, Crème de Cacao, Crème de Violette, Chambord, Lemon juice, Egg white
- Sun King — Cognac, Suze, Chambord, Orange bitters, Lemon peel
- The Monastic Sour — Bourbon, Chambord, Bénédictine, Egg white, Lemon juice, Simple syrup
- Daddy Loves You — Añejo rum, Dry vermouth, Triple sec, Chambord
- R&R cocktail — Dry vermouth, Chambord, Peychaud's Bitters