The latest serving from Chambord

Shake it, stir it, use the right glass, choose the right garnish. Feel the pressure? What pressure? Just do whatever you like.

Whether you make cocktails all the time or you’ve never made one at all, the experts at Chambord have talked us through how to concoct a delicious drink at home in 5 simple steps.

To mix perfect cocktails start with quality ingredients – liqueurs, spirits, fresh fruit and juices. Using your shaker, master the proper shake – long and hard, then pour into a suitable chilled glass and serve with a simple but tasteful garnish.

Come prepared. Here’s the essential list for your bar cart: shaker, jigger (measure), strainer, stirring spoon, ice bucket and scoop, knife and chopping board. Stock up on a selection of premium liqueurs such as Chambord and Triple Sec. Sugar Syrup is a must, as well as a few quality bottles of Vodka, Tequila, American Whiskey, White and Gold Rum, Scotch, Craft Gin. Ice is really important too and you need plenty of it, straight from the freezer.


Photo courtesy of Lily & Louis

A question of flavour. Don’t try to match similar flavours, instead lift them with contrast – salt vs. sweet vs. spice. Extend your repertoire by sourcing through cookbooks for interesting flavour combinations. For example, Chambord works wonderfully with bourbon or gin.

Crowd-pleasers are seasonally dependent. In summertime go for a well-made Chambord Bramble or for a group try the Chambord Punch Royale; and for the cooler months try the delicious Chambord Cafe.

The case for garnish. It’s advised to garish with an ingredient found inside or related to your drink, or for the safe option choose freshly sliced citrus and/or mint sprigs. To really impress add dried whole spices – not only do these look and smell great but they keep forever too. Do it, don’t do it, but whatever you choose, do it #becausenoreason