The alcoholic drink Framboise belongs to the category of unaged brandy in barrels (eau de vie or about de vie). It is important not to confuse it with the raspberry lambic (Belgian fruit beer) of the same name.
Characteristics. Brandy Framboise is a clear distillate with a slightly oily texture. Despite the impressive strength (36-45%), the drink has a mild raspberry flavor, fragrant aroma and rich bouquet. The taste is balanced, harmonious, sweet, dry finish.
Production technology
The details depend on the brand, but each manufacturer emphasizes that they make pure raspberry spirits without additives. During distillation, the “heads” and “tails” are cut off, only the “heart” (middle portion) goes on sale. In addition, raspberry alcohol must be kept in glass containers for at least three years.
A real framboise is distilled from fermented raspberries. Some brands add raspberry flavors to grain alcohol immediately before bottling, but such a drink cannot be considered a real fruit brandy.
Famous brands
- F. Mayer. Made from Polish and Romanian raspberries, double distilled and aged for up to 5 years. Fortress – 45%.
- Etter Zuger. A drink made from Swiss raspberries, distilled in small copper flasks.
- Westford Hill. It takes almost a kilogram of fresh berries to produce 30 ml of this brand’s framboise.
- G. Miclo. The brand has existed for more than 50 years, the products of this manufacturer are served in Michelin restaurants. Produces a version of the Framboise Savage with wild raspberries, not garden raspberries. Fortress 42%.
- Massenez. The first company to come up with the idea of distilling wild raspberries.
- La Salamandre. This framboise is made by maceration of raspberries in alcohol and subsequent distillation in copper alambika. Does not apply to classic fruit brandies.
How to drink framboise
Gourmets recommend drinking framboise in its pure form, without snacks and additives, only with ice cubes, but it goes well with dark chocolate and fruit desserts.
Raspberry brandy is served both as an aperitif and a digestif. In addition, the drink is part of many cocktails, it opens up especially well when mixed with champagne or other sparkling wine.
Framboise cocktails
- honey bee. Two parts framboise, one part honey, grenadine and any fruit liqueur, 4 parts cream. Mix everything in a shaker and serve in a tall cocktail glass.
- Berrytini. Pour 6 parts blackcurrant vodka and 1 part framboise into a shaker filled with ice. Stir, serve in a chilled glass garnished with a raspberry.
- French revolution. Mix 2 parts framboise and 4 parts grape brandy, pour into a glass, add 6 parts chilled champagne, do not stir. Serve without decorations.
- Make believe. Pour crushed ice into a cocktail glass, pour in 4 parts cherry maraschino, 2 parts white rum and 1 part each raspberry brandy and apple juice. Serve with a mint leaf.