Blackberry Liqueur
also known as Crème de mûre
What is Blackberry Liqueur?
Blackberry liqueur is a berry flavored liqueur of French origin. It is produced using blackberry juice and has a rich flavor with layers of fruitiness, sweetness, and hints of berry jam. The liquid is deep red to dark purple in color.
- This liqueur is very sweet and can be consumed separately or in cocktails.
- Some popular cocktails containing crème de mûre include Bramble, Jelly bean, Champagne à la Pologne, Congo Blue, and Uncle Vanya.
Some popular blackberry liqueur brands include:
- Bols
- Bronte
- BVLand
- Castle Glen
- De Kuyper
- Kilchoman
- Massenez
- Merlet
- Teichenne
- Vedrenne
- Joseph Cartron
Origin of blackberry liqueur
Humans have been consuming blackberries for over 2,500 years, around the Iron Age. Several ancient civilizations including, Ancient Romans, Ancient Greeks, and Native Americans used blackberries as food, medicine, and dyes. However, blackberry liqueur or crème de mûre is of French origin. It was originally invented in the 1800s and has been a French specialty since then.
Nutrition
Nutritional profile for blackberry liqueur (1 glass):
Consuming too much blackberry liqueur may lead to several health problems, such as increase in the risk of heart disease, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, cancer, as well as obesity, depression, and aging. The liqueur has around 17 percent ABV, making it less alcoholic than many other liqueurs. However, it is best to consume blackberry liqueur responsibly and in moderation.
Commercial production
To prepare blackberry liqueur, the main ingredients required are blackberries, sugar, water, and the base alcohol. First, the blackberries are thoroughly coated in sugar as the first step. Then, the base alcohol is added and the whole is allowed to rest until the fermentation happens. Finally, the liquid is then strained to remove impurities, and bottled.
Blackberry liqueur may be stored at room temperature in a cool and dry place, since the alcohol acts as a preservative and prevents spoilage. However, if stored in the fridge, they have a longer life.
Blackberry liqueur recipes
Blackberry liqueur is mainly used to prepare cocktails. Also, it may be used in baked goods to impart a rich flavor. Here are a few recipes to try:
- Bramble
- Black Demure
- Blackberry Margarita
- Pear-n-Berry Martini
- Godfrey
- Blackberry Chocolate Truffles
- Blackberry Bundt Cake
- Blackberry and Cinnamon Charlotte Russe
- Blackberry Cobbler
- Bramble Truffles
FDA regulations
All alcohol-related products are regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the US. Liqueur is defined as flavored spirits mixed with fruits, flowers, plants, or juices. There is no specific standard of identity for blackberry liqueur.
References
Effects Of Alcohol, Alcohol Rehab Guide, Recovery Worldwide, https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/effects/
Arranz, Sara et al. “Wine, beer, alcohol and polyphenols on cardiovascular disease and cancer.” Nutrients vol. 4,7 (2012): 759-81. doi:10.3390/nu4070759, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407993/