Cedratin liqueur: an overview of what it is made of, how to buy a real one + 10 cocktail recipes

Zedrat, also called citron. This is an amazing fruit, the weight of which can reach 4 kg, and the thickness of the zest is up to 1–2 cm. The pulp is not juicy at all, and the zest contains a large amount of essential oils.

This citrus is not consumed fresh, but is often used in culinary products and alcoholic beverages, and the most famous is Cedratine liqueur.

About Cedratine

This liqueur is considered the national alcoholic drink by two countries at once, France, or rather its autonomous territory in the Mediterranean Sea – the island of Corsica and Tunisia.

But as for history, both contenders for this drink claim that the original drink was invented by the monks back in the days of the Roman Empire.

In Tunisia, Cedratine is manufactured by Felix Habib & Co. But it is rather a replica of a liqueur, which is made from lemon and orange peel with a strength of 40 degrees, while the original drink is made exclusively from zest. But, despite this, Tunisians are very proud of their drink, and tourists appreciate its taste.

In France, the history of the creation of this liqueur is gaining momentum. In 1880, Louis Napoleon Methei, a distiller from Bastia, resumed the production of Cedratin according to the ancient technology and in 1900 patented TM LN Mattei.

To date, this is the only company that produces real Cedratine liqueur, its strength is 30 degrees, and if you want to experience the real taste of this unusual drink, then you can safely buy a plane ticket and go straight to Bastia on the island of Corsica.

Production of Cedratin liqueur

The main uniqueness of the production of the alcohol we are considering lies in an unusual fruit – zest. Corsica is one of several countries where this rare citrus is grown.

The zest of this fruit is left to macerate (infuse) in wine alcohol for a year, after which the extract is distilled and then mixed with syrup, then seasoned with distillate and brought to Mattei taste standards.

Bottle and label of Cedratin liqueur

1. Cedratine (Tunisia)

   Produced in a transparent bottle of 750 ml, which vaguely resembles a cognac bottle.

   Such a container allows you to clearly see the color of the drink, it is a beautiful amber color, but has some transparency.

   The label depicts a traditional Tunisian arch.

2. Mattei (Corsica)

   Produced in a transparent corrugated bottle of 500 ml.

   The etiquette depicts cedrat, which once again confirms the authenticity of this liquor.

   The drink is a beautiful golden color.

Culture of consumption of Cedratin

Despite the strength of this drink, this is a classic digestif and should be served after a feast.

It is best to drink this liquor in its pure form from a “cold glass”, for this you need to throw an ice cube into a glass and then pour the liquor. It is in this form that the true taste and aroma of this unusual drink is revealed.

The original Cedratine liqueur is not recommended for use in cocktails, as it simply cannot be taken and mixed with other ingredients that will kill the unique taste and aroma.

If you want to feel like a bartender and make a couple of cocktails, then it is better to take the Tunisian version of this liquor.

Cocktail Strong citrus

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 70 ml

2. Orange slice

3. Cocktail cherry

4. Mint – 2-3 leaves

5. Ice

Method of preparation

1. At the bottom of the glass you need to grind the mint leaves.

2. Then add all the ingredients and mix lightly.

3. When serving, insert the tube.

Cocktail Bananamania

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 70 ml

2. Lemon juice – 20 ml

3. White rum – 100 ml

4. Semi-sweet sparkling wine – 100 ml

5. Banana – 1 pcs.

6. Ice

Method of preparation

1. Banana must be killed with a blender.

2. We shift the prepared puree, juice, liquor and rum into a shaker. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

3. We throw crushed ice into the glass, pour the contents of the shaker and fill the empty space with sparkling wine.

Cocktail Journey South

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 40 ml

2. Spiral orange peel

3. Dry sparkling wine

Method of preparation

1. Pour liqueur into a champagne glass.

2. Then add cold sparkling wine.

3. When serving, garnish with an orange zest spiral.

Mirabelle cocktail

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 20 ml

2. Gin – 20 ml

3. Pink vermouth – 20 ml

4. Orange juice – 20 ml

5. A sparkling wine

6. Ice

Method of preparation

1. In a shaker, thoroughly shake all the ingredients (except sparkling wine).

2. Strain the contents of the shaker into a champagne glass through a strainer.

3. We fill the empty space with sparkling wine.

Cocktail Red Bubbles

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 40 ml

2. Red grape juice – 50 ml

3. Tonic

4. Ice

Method of preparation

1. Throw ice into a tall glass, pour cocktail and juice.

2. Then the tonic fills the entire empty space of the glass.

Variation of the Caipirinha cocktail

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 40 ml

2. Lime – a few slices

3. crushed ice

Method of preparation

1. Pour liqueur into a glass and add lime wedges.

2. Toss in crushed ice before serving.

Variation of the Kamikaze cocktail

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 20 ml

2. Vodka – 40 ml

3. Lemon juice – 10 ml

Method of preparation

1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker.

2. Pour the contents of the shaker into a pre-chilled martini glass.

Dbyou cocktail

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 20 ml

2. Campari liqueur – 20 ml

3. Grapefruit juice – 20 ml

4. Dry sparkling wine

5. Ice

Method of preparation

1. In a shaker, mix two liqueurs and citrus juice with ice.

2. Strain the contents of the shaker into a champagne glass through a strainer.

3. Now fill the remaining space with sparkling wine.

Queen Mary cocktail

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 30 ml

2. Cognac – 30 ml

3. Absinthe – 1 dec

4. Grenadine – 1 desh

5. Cocktail cherry – 1 pc.

6. Ice

Method of preparation

1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker.

2. Strain the contents of the shaker into a glass.

3. Garnish with a cocktail cherry when serving.

Cocktail Red Rock Canyon

Ingredients

1. Cedratine liqueur – 7 ml

2. Peach brandy – 7 ml

3. Crème de Cassis liqueur – 7 ml

4. Vodka – 45 ml

5. Campari liqueur – 15 drops

6. Cocktail cherry – 1 pc.

7. Orange slice

8. Ice

Method of preparation

1. In a shaker, mix all the ingredients (except Campari and fruit).

2. Fill a Collins glass with ice and strain the contents of the shaker.

3. Then add Campari liqueur.

4. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice when serving.

Relevance: 07.12.2017

Tags: Liqueurs, Pourings, Liqueurs, Brands of liqueurs