The first in our list of herb-based French liqueurs needs no introduction. Known components — all botanical — include juniper, coriander, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and thyme as well as the three main ingredients: angelica, lemon balm and hyssop. The distillation process involves four different preparations, making this one of the most complex French liqueurs. The liqueur also forms the base of many cocktails and is enjoying something of a revival in modern bars.
Chartreuse is next on our list of famous herb-based French liqueurs. Only two monks reputedly know how to make genuine Chartreuse liqueur.
It is known to contain at least herbs and plants that are mixed together, distilled and then aged in oak casks for five years. It has an intense, aromatic flavour with a strong floral scent and notes of cloves, cinnamon and citrus. It has a strong citrus overtone with hints of honey, anis and liquorice.
Like armagnac and cognac , Chartreuse has a premium label. Green Chartreuse — in its simplest form, this is a French liqueur to add to tonic or soda water with lots of ice. You can also use it as a base for a cocktail such as the Chartreuse Martini where it accompanies gin and dry vermouth. Yellow Chartreuse — also makes a good cocktail ingredient and mixes particularly well with whisky.
It also adds an interesting twist to coffee. VEP Chartreuse — like all exceptional French liqueurs, this is one to drink neat, perhaps with a dash of ice. The original mint liqueur was made with peppermint by Emile Giffard, a dispensing chemist in Angers in the Loire Valley. In his quest to create a soothing after-dinner digestif , Giffard concocted the Menthe Pastille. The digestive properties of the liqueur were so successful that Giffard converted his pharmacy into a distillery, still in existence today.
