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Chambord is a French black raspberry liqueur that’s worth adding to your collection! Here’s more about it and the most popular Chambord recipes to mix it into cocktails.
It’s dark purple, it fruity, and it’s got a fancy purple and gold bottle that looks like something from an 18th century movie set. It’s Chambord! This liqueur sounds fancy, but it won’t set you back too much in price. It’s got a beautiful black raspberry flavor that makes any drink taste better.
Should you buy a bottle? As two cocktail experts and certified mixologists, we think so! Here’s more about it and a few of the most popular Chambord cocktails to mix up.
What is Chambord?
Chambord is a black raspberry liqueur made in France. Despite the fancy historic looking bottle, the brand started in the 1980’s. But, it’s inspired by a raspberry liqueur recipe from the the 1680’s! It’s made with both raspberries and blackberries and several spirits including Cognac. This gives it a nuanced, sophisticated flavor.
The bottle design of Chambord gives it an air of refinement and elegance. It’s a round, squat bottle with purple lettering and gold accents. It looks like something a French king would have on hand in the 1700’s, right?
What does Chambord taste like?
Chambord tastes tastes rich and fruity, with raspberry and citrus notes. The Cognac adds subtle notes of vanilla and oak.
How much alcohol is in Chambord? It is 16% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a low alcohol content. Compare it to 40% ABV for spirits like whiskey, rum, vodka and gin.
Are there any substitutes? Crème de cassis is the closest substitute: it’s the black currant liqueur that’s famously used in a Kir Royale. But the flavor is not nearly as nuanced and refined. You can also try crème de mure, a blackberry liqueur that we’re huge fans of! The flavor is like blackberry jelly, and you can use it to make the Bramble cocktail.
Why we like it
Chambord sounds fancy: and it is! It adds a nuanced, sophisticated berry flavor to everything it touches. We love it in the French Martini, and it’s at its best when combined with champagne. (In fact, it makes a much better Kir Royale than the standard creme de cassis.)
Most popular Chambord recipes
You can drink Chambord straight or mix it into cocktails. Here are a few of the most popular Chambord recipes:
The French martini is a fruity spin on a vodka martini made with Chambord and pineapple juice. It might seem like a retro classic cocktail, but it was invented in the 1980’s by New York bartender Allen Katz. Each sip is so intriguing and nuanced, it’s hard to put the glass down.
Here’s an effortlessly easy Chambord cocktail: Chambord and Champagne! Simply mix the raspberry liqueur with bubbles and you’ve got a sophisticated Chambord cocktail perfect for celebrations of all kinds. The bubbly sweet tart flavor is refreshing and unexpectedly nuanced for two ingredients. It's similar to a Kir Royale!
The Floradora cocktail is a classic highball drink starring raspberry syrup, gin and ginger beer that dates to the early 1900’s. The drink was inspired by Broadway show called Floradora that opened on American Broadway in 1900. Use Chambord for the raspberry syrup and it's even tastier drink.
The El Diablo is a fun tequila highball that's bubbly and spicy, starring black currant liqueur, lime and ginger beer. Substitute Chambord for the crème de cassis for a fun and unique Chambord recipe.
This bright red Chambord drink is sweet tart with a fruity berry finish! Starring vodka, Chambord, cranberry juice and lemon, it makes a big statement. If you like, use it Valentine's Day as Love Potion No. 9 or Halloween as the Vampire's Kiss!
French Martini (with Chambord)
The French martini is a triumph! This classy cocktail is perfectly balanced with vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liqueur.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) vodka
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) pineapple juice
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) Chambord or other raspberry liqueur
- For the garnish: raspberry (optional)
Instructions
- Add the vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord to a cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice and shake it until cold.
- Strain into a cocktail glass. If desired, garnish with a raspberry.
More cocktail guides
Want to know more about different liqueurs? Here are a few of our handy guides:
- Chartreuse is a pale green liqueur is worth adding to your collection…here’s why.
- Grenadine is mistaken as cherry, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Galliano is a fun bright yellow liqueur for making mixed drinks.
- Baileys is one of the most popular liqueurs in America.
- Kahlua is a popular Mexican coffee liqueur known for the White Russian, Espresso Martini and more.
- Aperol and Campari are two of the most popular Italian liqueurs.
- Try Cointreau and Blue Curacao, two popular orange liqueurs.
- Absinthe is a formerly banned liquor that’s now in good graces.
Love your receipes
Chambord Black Raspberry Espresso Martini
It’s the next level so delicious
Glad I stumbled on your site! It will be a great go-to site for recipes. Chambord is my most favorite liquor. I have a question about it that maybe you can answer. Should I refrigerate Chambord? Not that it sits on my shelf for very long, but I’ve seen pros and cons online about this. What is your opinion? Thank you!
Since it’s not too high proof it’s kind of on the edge! We keep it in the cabinet at room temperature (just as long as it’s out of the sun).
Someone make up my mind already! Is Chambord blackberry & raspberry or is it black raspberry? They are not the same thing.