Chartreuse is a French liquor with a spicy, spicy, sweet taste and a strong herbal aftertaste. Traditionally, the drink is made by the monks of the Cartesian order in a monastery located near Grenoble. Chartreuse is currently being made in Voiron according to a recipe that is kept in the strictest confidence.
Interestingly, modern research methods have not determined the secret formula of the drink, while it was possible to find out some facts. It is known for certain that the extract contains hyssop, which determines a powerful aftertaste. During the preparation of the drink, artificial additives are not used. All 130 herbs are soaked in wine alcohol, after which sugar syrup and honey are added to the extract. The liquor has a characteristic yellow-green color and is aged in oak barrels.
The beneficial properties of chartreuse are due to the therapeutic effect of the herbs that make up the drink and consist in stabilizing the work of the intestines, liver and removing stones from the kidneys. Essential oils of plants relieve inflammation in the oral cavity, are used to eliminate heart disease and hypertension. The main condition is to comply with the consumption rate (up to 100 ml 1-2 times a week).
History of occurrence
The appearance of Chartreuse falls on 1605 and is shrouded in secrets, riddles and speculation. Some believe that the appearance of the drink is associated with the order of the monks, others insist that it was the result of experiments by herbalists. According to legend, Marshal Francois d’Estre presented a mysterious document to the Carthusian monks, which detailed the recipe for the elixir of longevity. For a long time no one dared to make liquor. The recipe was so complicated that it was only in 1737 that the drink first appeared in the walls of the Grand Chartreuse monastery, where it was sold to residents of nearby cities exclusively for medicinal purposes. The plant elixir quickly gained popularity, and already in 1764 received the name “Liquor of Health” or “Green Chartreuse”.
In 1793, the monks were dispersed, as a result, the production of the drink was stopped. The brothers passed the secret recipe for a healing potion from mouth to mouth. In 1816, the monastery was restored and after 20 years a new variety of French liqueur was created – “Yellow Chartreuse”. The ingredient composition of both types of drink remained the same, only the proportions of the components changed. In 1903, as a result of persecution, the Carthusian monks left France and moved to Spain, Tarragona, where they continued their business and the production of liquor. At the end of World War II, the monks returned to their historical homeland in accordance with government permission. Thus, the production of the Chartreuse in Tarron was interrupted.
Since the end of the XNUMXth century, liquor has been produced exclusively in Voiron (France).
Benefit and harm
In case of urgent need, Chartreuse liquor can be used externally as a disinfectant for treating wounds and cuts. Based on it, warming compresses are prepared to relieve back pain and joints.
Healing properties (when ingested in a strictly limited amount):
- increases the body’s resistance;
- crushes kidney stones;
- relieves stomach cramps, headaches;
- eliminates inflammation in the oral cavity (throat), heals from diseases of the respiratory tract;
- accelerates metabolic processes;
- relieves bloating, stabilizes stool, improves digestion;
- contributes to the normal separation of bile;
- supplies strength and energy;
- suppresses pathogenic microflora, reduces the number of putrefactive bacteria in the intestine;
- relieves insomnia, relieves nervous tension.
French Chartreuse exhibits antimicrobial and analgesic properties. A strong alcoholic drink is contraindicated for use by persons under 18 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, people with alcohol dependence, prone to allergic manifestations.
After drinking liquor, you must not drive!
Views of Chartreuse
The liquor is served in the form of a digestif, on its basis classic cocktails are prepared (France-Mexico, tonic chartreuse, Bishop’s, Alliance, Shuttle, champagne chartreuse), sauces for meat and fish dishes. The drink is used to flavor ice cream, baked goods, chocolate and coffee.
Variations of French liquor:
- Grand Chartreuse Herbal Elixir. Recreated according to an ancient recipe developed in 1605. A distinctive feature of the drink is a burning bitterness with spicy-sharp herbal notes, which makes it impossible to drink it in its pure form. Fortress – 71%. It is used together with sugar as a healing agent. It is used as a basis for the production of tinctures and grog.
- Green Chartreuse. It is the most popular type of liquor. It has a pronounced lingering, warming herbal taste, in which notes of ginger, anise, mint are felt. Chlorophyll, which is part of herbs, gives the green color to the drink. Fortress – 55%. Served in cocktails or with ice as a digestif.
- Yellow Chartreuse. It has a mild, sweet taste with spicy-herbal notes. Fortress – 40%. Lemon-yellow color liquor gives saffron. Drink heavily chilled. The drink is often mixed with soda and consumed as a long drink.
In addition to the Yellow, Green and herbal elixir Grand, they produce limited editions of the drink with a modified taste for the occasion of significant dates of the Company. The taste of alcohol depends on the serving temperature: warm liquor is too fragrant, cold liquor opens up better, which makes it possible to feel the whole bouquet of vegetable aromas.
After the spill, the Chartreuse noblely ages, which makes it only better over time.
They include:
- Chartreuse liqueur 900th anniversary. The strength of the drink is 47%. Produced on the occasion of the anniversary of the monastery of Grande Chartreuse. It tastes like Green Chartreuse, but much sweeter. The liqueur is sold in designer bottles of 70 ml, which were used in the XNUMXth century.
- Chartreuse VEP The assortment of the batch is represented by two varieties of liquor: Yellow (42%) and Green (54%). It is made by traditional technology, the hallmark of which is a longer aging time in oak barrels. Chartreuse VEP is bottled in designer bottles similar to the 1840 models, and the lid is filled with wax. The drink first appeared on sale in 1963.
- Liquor Chartreuse 1605. It is an “elixir liquor” that is as close as possible in taste to the very first bottle of the drink, but more intense. Fortress – 56%. The release of Chartreuse 1605 liqueur is dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the existence of the recipe.
Despite numerous attempts to unravel the secret composition of Chartreuse, not one of them was successful. It is only known that the plant component hyssop acts as the basis, 130 herbs are included, linden honey is used as a sweetener. In addition, experienced tasters were able to recognize several ingredients of the drink: mint, St. John’s wort, cardamom, celery seeds, orange fruits and nutmeg. Chartreuse matures in oak barrels.
How to use
French Chartreuse is served in small liquor shots or glasses, and is drunk in slow sips chilled to 10-15 degrees. Fans of a bright spicy-herbaceous smell are advised to heat the drink to room temperature. Dessert alcohol is served after the meal. It is not necessary to eat it, while it is better to serve fruit on the table. Sommeliers and gourmets welcome the combination of Green Chartreuse with gin, tequila, and Yellow with scotch or bourbon.
Cocktail Recipes:
- “Episcopal”. The composition of the drink includes 15 ml of Green and 30 ml of Yellow Chartreuse. To drink in one gulp.
- “Cardinal”. The ingredients of the cocktail are the same as in the Bishop’s. A distinctive feature of the drink is a change in proportions, as a result it turns out to be stronger than its “brother”. To prepare Cardinal liqueur, 30 ml of Green Chartreuse is mixed with 15 ml of Yellow.
- “Shuttle”. Components: whiskey (1 part), Yellow Chartreuse (2 parts).
- “Solar”. Ingredients: Green Chartreuse (20 ml), orange juice (120 ml), ice.
- “Alliance”. Components: Champagne brut and Yellow Chartreuse (in equal amounts).
A safe daily dose of the drink is 30 ml. Remember, exceeding the norm, the systematic abuse of alcohol negatively affects the human body, leveling its benefits.
Conclusion
Chartreuse is a multicomponent alcoholic drink with pronounced medicinal properties. However, its benefit can only be if the daily intake does not exceed 30 ml. The following types of drink are distinguished: the plant elixir Grand-Chartreuse (71%), Yellow (40%) and Green (55%).
Subject to dosage and no contraindications, French liquor improves the digestive tract, invigorates, stimulates the work of cells, improves immunity, and has a pronounced antispasmodic, antibacterial effect.
The monopoly on the manufacture of an elite French drink belongs to the Cartesian order.