Chartreuse liquor is often called a French extract of longevity. Its history began during the search by the alchemists of the elixir of health. On the palate, this drink is both sweet, spicy and spicy. It has a powerful herbal aftertaste. Liqueur was produced more than three centuries ago by the Cartesian monks in one of the monasteries, located near Grenoble. In a strong wine fluid, more than 130 plants are soaked, which subsequently insist for five years.
History
The appearance of the famous liquor is fanned by many legends. The beginning of everything was laid by one mysterious manuscript. It was an old manuscript transmitted by Marshal d'Estri to the Cartesian monks. On paper, it was described how to prepare the "Elixir of Longevity." All this happened in 1605. But then the monks were not interested in the recipe because of their complexity. Therefore, they left him in the library of the monastery and forgot about him for a hundred years.
At the beginning of the XVIII century, the manuscript fell into a monastery built near Grenoble. It was called La Grande-Chartreuse. The prescription was scrupulously studied by Jerome Mabec, a local pharmacist. He spent several years decrypting the mysterious manuscript. But in the end, he nevertheless created the Chartreuse liquor, which is distinguished by its unusual taste and healing qualities.
The Grand Chartres Monastery in 1737 began selling the miraculous elixir for therapeutic use. The drink quickly gained popularity and did not lose it even today. By next year, the recipe was improved. And so the Green Chartreuse appeared. His fortress reached 55 degrees. During its existence, Chartreuse liquor has undergone many changes. A lot of events were connected with him. But he remained a valuable and expensive alcoholic drink, which was appreciated by gourmets around the world.
Chartreuse today
Chartreuse modern liqueur in all its varieties is made in the French Voiron. For its production, collections of herbs and plants are procured by two monks from the famous Grand Chartres Monastery. The original recipe is kept in strictest confidence by the brothers. It cannot be patented, which helps maintain a monopoly on the manufacture of alcohol for the Cartesian Order.
In 1970, the monks organized the Chartreuse Diffusion society, which secured all the rights to the preparation and distribution of Cartesian liquors. It was this organization in 1989 that issued the decree that all varieties of Chartreuse liquors should be created in an ancient monastery in the Alps, from where, in fact, they came from.
Production
Chartreuse liquor recipe is quite complicated. It includes a lot of components. For "Green Chartreuse" you need to collect about 130 names of various plants. Other types of drink require slightly fewer ingredients.
The liquor is prepared as follows: in a distillation flask, it is necessary to place a tinned copper sieve, which contains 250 grams of fresh lemon mint, 150 irrigation grass, 125 alpine Chernobyl, blue hypericum and angelica seeds each. It also includes one hundred grams of orange peel and the same amount of hinny. The recipe also contains musk grains, orange fruits, nutmegs - these ingredients are taken in quantities of 50 g. Next, the sieve must have 30 grams of Ceylon cinnamon, cardamom, celery seeds, angelica roots, caviar root, white ginger, nutmeg, cloves and jamaican pepper. The composition finishes with 25 grams of Tonkin beans, 10 - black pepper. In addition, you will need 10 liters of soft water. We take alcohol three times as much. Its strength is 96%.
The contents of the distillation flask are heated for eight hours. Then the resulting composition is filtered, adding to it 200 grams of burnt magnesia. Then add sugar and bring the contents of the flask to one hundred liters. The drink is bottled in oak barrels and infused for five years.
Varieties
Chartreuse - liquor, the price per bottle of which reaches ten thousand rubles, is produced in three main varieties:
- Herbal elixir "Grand Chartreuse". It is said that the recipe for this drink most closely resembles the original method of preparation. The strength of this option reaches 69 degrees. The burning, bitter taste of the elixir does not allow drinking it in its pure form. It is used in the process of preparing various tinctures.
- Liqueur "Chartrez Green" with a strength of 55 degrees. It was he who was created by monks in the 17th century. This variety is the most popular. It is used as a digestif and added to different cocktails. Typically, this version of the liquor is served with ice. It has a spicy taste with chords of various herbs.
- "Yellow Chartreuse", created in 1838. Has a 40-degree fortress. The yellow hue of the drink provides the presence of saffron.
The healing qualities of Chartreuse liquor
Due to the fact that the product is prepared on the basis of natural herbs, its positive effect on the human body was noted. If you take no more than 35 grams of the drink daily, then metabolic processes will accelerate, the functioning of the biliary tract and liver will normalize, and digestion will improve. Also, liquor gives a person energy and strength, eliminates respiratory tract diseases, relieves stomach cramps and headaches.
Chartreuse increases the body's resistance level, treats colds and viral diseases, and relieves bloating. French liquor is an excellent substance for treating and washing wounds, various cuts and bruises. For joint pain, it can be used as a compress. Chartrez receives only positive reviews. Gourmets who have tasted it say that, despite the strength, the drink is gentle and soft. He is drunk very easily. More people claim that the liquor is invigorating and has an unsurpassed aroma. If you believe the reviews, then after drinking the drink in the evening, in the morning there will be no hangover. Users believe that it will be a great addition to the table for any occasion: be it a chic celebration or a quiet family evening.
Cooking liquor at home
Chartreuse liquor can also be made at home. True, it will turn out a little different than in the original. But if there is no way to get a real drink, then why not make it yourself? For a home recipe, you will need two grams of oil: cloves, lemon, cinnamon and nutmeg flowers. People who have tried the recipe say that they give the drink notes of freshness and spice. It is also necessary to take a little more oil: 10 grams - angelica, 20 - peppermint. It will take 15 liters of alcohol, 20 liters of vodka. And also - 20 kilograms of sugar.
All of these oils must be mixed with 15 liters of alcohol. Then, based on vodka and sugar, you need to boil the syrup. When it is ready, it is cooled and added to the alcohol mixture. It is recommended to strain the finished tincture before pouring it into bottles.