Chambord is a French cognac-based black raspberry liqueur, “an infusion of the world’s finest raspberries, blackberries…black raspberries, black currant, Madagascar vanilla and cognac” according to its label.
There are other raspberry liqueurs out there, including generics, but Chambord has long been considered the best. It’s 33 proof, which is not very strong, and deep purple in color.
When I first smell a glass of Chambord liqueur, I notice a strong berry flavor which is then followed by vanilla. A sip reveals something a little bit sharper, almost like a distant note of citrus. I also taste a honey note.
Chambord has an intense flavor. It’s not quite as sweet as many fruity liqueurs are – such as Midori. The mouthfeel is more silky than oily.
It feels light, not heavy. The aftertaste is mainly raspberry, with maybe a hint of vanilla. I find a lot of sweet liqueurs too cloying.
And yet I like Chambord served straight up better than I would have expected. It’s like somehow they preserve the only the very best aspects of the berry and fruit flavors, and add in some subtle complimentary notes.
In short, it’s more refined than your average liqueur. It tastes and feels closer to a fruit juice or a sweet wine than a syrupy liqueur.
Over the years, Chambord has become one of my favorite liqueurs. A little of it can go a long way in cocktails, but it’s not an overpowering flavor.
That said, Chambord is at its best in cocktails. You can simply mix it in with champagne or a good dry gin, or vodka or rum.
Or you can try something more complicated. We have a number of Chambord cocktails.
Chambord Raspberry Liqueur Cocktails
Time to get out the blender, because The Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Cocktail blends Chambord with vanilla ice cream, cream cheese and more. And it tastes just like its name. A thick liquid shake of a raspberry white chocolate cheesecake slice.
The Red Frog is a great tasting drink that features raspberry and cranberry flavors with amaretto and whiskey. It's best served chilled. Your taste buds will thank you.
The flavors of raspberry and orange blend in this delicious fruity drink. The combination of tart and sweet is perfect for most any occasion.
The Chamboard Royale combines Chambord with pineapple and cranberry juice for a wonderful fruity flavor. Plus some vodka to give it a nice kick.
Chambord raspberry liqueur meets hot coffee and chocolate in this delicious drink. It's great as an afterdinner drink or nightcap, but we won't tell anyone if you have it with brunch.
No mixers in this one! The Raspberry Kamikaze features the delicious raspberry of Chambord along with orange liqueur and vodka. Its fruity flavor can disguise just how strong it is.
The Raspberry Beret blends Chambord with Baileys Irish Cream for a stunningly rich, sweet flavor. This is a very easy drink to love.
The Grateful Dead is a fairly intense cocktail that tastes like raspberry with hints of herb and caramel notes.
Think of vodka and lime with some Chambord, and you've got the Purple Hooter Shooter. There is no reason to chug a shot that tastes this good.