The French black raspberry liqueur known as Chambord has been produced since the late 17th century, but only now is it available in a hand crafted bejeweled bottle worth over $2 million.
Chambord is made in the Loire Valley region of France from black raspberries and blackberries. They are steeped in spirits for four weeks, followed by the addition of more spirits before being pressed after further fourteen days. The resulting infusion is then blended with cognac and flavored with Madagascan vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel and honey. The completed liqueur is rich and velvety with a sumptuous raspberry flavor.
Recently, Chambord and jeweler Donald Edge collaborated to produce a bespoke hand crafted bottle. The decoration of the bottle includes over a thousand cut diamonds, pearls and solid gold and is hoping to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most expensive bottle ever at over $2 million. This originated in the sponsorship of a stage show in London’s (UK) West End of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ starring Anna Friel, where they also cooked up possibly the world’s most expensive breakfast too. The meal includes a hand-decorated bejeweled croissant, covered in edible gold and diamonds, Bar le Duc hand-seeded redcurrant jam and a cup of Kopi Luwak coffee washed down with a Chambord and champagne cocktail available at around $35,000.
Chambord and champagne is a marriage made in heaven, but it can also be served neat, on the rocks or mixed with a multitude of other alcohols, sodas and juices for delectable cocktails. But it’s not only behind the bar that this liqueur should remain, it’s also a handy ingredient to have in the kitchen. Chambord liqueur has a natural affinity with chocolate for example, as well as giving very pleasing results when combined with, or even replacing, Irish cream liqueur. The dessert section needn’t have all the fun either, Chambord liqueur glazed onions or shallots would make a delicious accompaniment to a venison steak. Duck breast salad drizzled with a Chambord vinaigrette is another scrumptious pairing. A Chambord and mustard sauce would enhance many a grilled meat or a glug into your favorite barbecue sauce recipe would give it a new dimension.
The liqueur was said to have been introduced to French King Louis XIV, during one of his visits to the Château de Chambord, it is reputed that it quickly became his drink of choice. But would even a king choose the bottle that has the $2 million price tag?
Photos courtesy of flickr - imapix and quinnanya and charmbordbydonaldedge.com