Chestnut liqueur and cream: all the aromatic power of Ardèche
Are you looking for an original alternative to the eternal crème de cassis, and would like to have a quality fruit alcohol for your cocktails and sweet preparations? Chestnut cream is a delicious and refined option. And to enhance your aperitifs and desserts with even more intense flavors, let yourself be tempted by chestnut liqueur .
Chestnut liqueur and cream: what are the differences?
Chestnut liqueur and chestnut cream are both alcoholic beverages obtained from chestnut infusions .
The fruits, carefully peeled and then grilled, are left to macerate in alcohol or brandy for several weeks or even months. This step allows the liquid base to absorb the aromas of the fruits, to acquire an amber color and a characteristic taste of grilled chestnuts. The infusion thus obtained is then filtered. This is the time to add the sugar and any flavors such as vanilla.
If the manufacturing process is similar, the difference lies in the dosages :
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Chestnut cream : less alcoholic ( 16° ) and sweeter ( 250 g/L ), it offers a syrupy texture and a sweet flavor, ideal for desserts.
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Chestnut liqueur: more concentrated in alcohol ( up to 55° ), it seduces with its frank and intense taste , perfect for enhancing cocktails and digestifs.
Handcrafted from excellent quality chestnuts
The chestnut tree has always grown naturally in Ardèche, and the first grafting took place in the 13th century. In the 19th century, the first French candied chestnut factory was established in Privas, under the leadership of Clément Faugier. Today, Ardèche is the leading producer of chestnuts in France with 5,000 tonnes per year , or more than half of the national production! With this rich history, the chestnut tree is deeply rooted in the Ardèche lands, and today benefits from an AOC label (controlled designation of origin).
The chestnut liqueur and cream come from carefully selected plantations, from responsible producers. They embody the quintessence of the fruits and the terroir which are expressed through a creamy texture and superb notes of caramel and roasted chestnut . On the palate:
How to taste chestnut liqueur and cream?
These drinks are suitable for many occasions:
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As a digestif : served chilled on ice.
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As an aperitif : chestnut cream is a good substitute for crème de cassis to make an Ardèche kir . Mix 1/5 cream with 4/5 dry white wine, or opt for a champagne version for a chic effect.
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In cocktails : Pair these drinks with brandy, vodka, or tequila. Consider balancing the flavors with fresh fruit juice , such as lemon or cherry juice in late summer. Add a splash of crème fraîche for a creamy twist, and garnish with a piece of fruit.
And to make the cocktail and aperitif a real treat, serve your alcoholic drinks with local dry sausage . A PGI sausage will be perfect for the occasion. If you want to vary the pleasures, do not hesitate to try the flavored ones (Beaufort, Cantal, walnuts, hazelnuts. To be consumed in moderation , of course!
Chestnut liqueur and cream in cooking
With their beautiful golden color and powerful aroma, these fruit alcohols give desserts and pastries an original flavor. And everyone deserves them, even children.
For a magnificent autumn cake , incorporate chestnut cream and chestnut liqueur into your dough. You can serve it hot, as a dessert or as a snack, young and old will find what they are looking for. Always in season, chestnut cream can also be used in your apple pies . Mix it with apple compote or use it to marinate your fruit slices before spreading them on the bottom of the dish. Guaranteed success.
For pancake lovers , just add a small shot glass of chestnut cream for about 250 g of flour. And of course, we use chestnut flour : it's delicious, fragrant and gluten-free ! For the batter to set well, it is recommended to let it rest for 30 minutes before cooking your pancakes.
35 cl
50 cl
