Why not enjoy your favorite bar drinks at home and be your own marvelous mixologist or savvy sommelier? Create a sexy French Martini using Chambord Liqueur, or sip a smooth Sardon De Duero red wine from Spain.
Chambord
If you’ve heard Chambord described as a raspberry liqueur, you’re only getting a hint of what makes it so delicious. While the beautiful ruby colored liquid highlights the lovely raspberry as its main star, it’s a lot more complex than that. Along with raspberries, Chambord contains blackberries, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey, herbs and spices. It’s created in the Loire Valley of France and based on a 17th century recipe. It’s been one of my favorite liqueurs for over 10 years and while I enjoy it in many different cocktails, such as a Kir Royal (Chambord with sparkling wine), the French Martini is my favorite. I make it at home as well as enjoy it at some of my favorite bars. Chambord makes a great gift too and is easily available at most liquor stores. Here’s the recipe…
French Martini Recipe
½ oz Chambord Liqueur
1 ½ oz Vodka
2 oz Pineapple Juice
Handful of Ice
Pour the Chambord, vodka, and pineapple juice in a shaker. Add ice and shake, shake, shake like a mama showed ya’ – or you won’t get the foamy top. Pour through a strainer into a martini glass, and garnish with a raspberry, lemon twist, or whatever suits your fancy. Tip: Before ordering at a bar, ask if they know how to make a proper one, many bartenders don’t.
Abadia Retuerta Sardon de Duero Red Wine
Abadia Retuerta is an award winning winery from northern Spain, and their Sardon de Duero red wine is a bold and delicious wine that tastes a lot more expensive than their price tag would suggest. Those that love Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo will savor this luscious blend of Abadia Retuerta’s best grapes. It’s aged in oak barrels, is quite smooth, and doesn’t have the “oaky” taste that some don’t like. I’ve been enjoying this delicious wine paired with cheese boards and robust pasta dishes. For those that love smooth, bold red wine, this is an excellent choice. Treat yourself, or someone special. Approx $28.
Available: B21 Wines & Empire State of Wine – 111 West 20th St, NYC
