🥃 Framboise d'Alsace
Clear Alsatian raspberry spirit: red-fleshed raspberries are steeped in alcohol and distilled in copper stills; at least 45% ABV, aged at least 2 months.
Framboise d'Alsace is a clear raspberry spirit from Alsace, a protected EU name for France. It is made not by fermentation but by maceration: raspberries are steeped in alcohol and then distilled in copper stills. Sold at a minimum of 45% ABV, it smells of fresh raspberries.
Rules. The French standard was approved by decree of 30 December 2014. Only raspberry varieties with red flesh (Rubus idaeus) are allowed. The fruit is steeped in ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or in fruit, marc or wine distillate, and increasing the sugar content of the berries is forbidden. All stages, from maceration to blending, take place in the Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin departments.
Distillation. Two methods of batch distillation are allowed: a classic pot still with double distillation, or a pot still with a column of up to three plates. Every part the vapour touches up to the swan neck must be copper, and the apparatus holds up to 25 hl. Fresh distillate has 60 to 80% ABV and rests for at least 2 months. It may be sweetened up to 10 g/l but may not be coloured.
History. According to the French standard, Alsatian farmers at first only added a handful of wild raspberries to cherries to flavour kirsch. A pure raspberry spirit came later, and real production was set up by professional distillers after the First World War. Steeping rather than fermenting is explained by the low sugar content of raspberries.
Why this matters to you. The name Framboise d'Alsace guarantees that the flavour comes from real raspberries rather than a flavouring, and that the spirit was distilled in Alsace. It is a strong spirit of at least 45% ABV, so even a small measure contains a lot of ethanol. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Raw material | red-fleshed raspberries (Rubus idaeus), steeped in ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or in fruit, marc or wine distillate |
|---|---|
| Distillation method | batch, in copper stills up to 25 hl (double, or with a column of up to 3 plates); distillate 60–80% ABV |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | at least 45% ABV |
| Minimum maturation | 2 months from the date of distillation |
| EU category | spirit drink obtained by maceration and distillation (under the French standard, category 16 of Regulation No 110/2008) |
| Legal basis | standard approved by decree of 30.12.2014 (JORF 14.01.2015); Reg. (EU) 2019/787 |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Framboise d'Alsace → kind of → 🍎 Fruit brandies → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Traditions
- 🧑🤝🧑 French
- Part of
- 🍎 Fruit brandies
- Related to
- 📍 Alsace
- Similar and different
- 🍓 Geist, 🥃 Fruit spirit, 🥃 Kirsch (Kirschwasser), 🥃 Mirabelle (mirabelle plum spirit), 🥃 Whisky d’Alsace (Alsace whisky)
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Framboise d'Alsace is made from fermented raspberries?
No. Under the standard the berries are not fermented. They are steeped in alcohol and then distilled, which keeps the fresh raspberry aroma.
What is the strength of Framboise d'Alsace?
On sale it is at least 45% ABV. Straight after distillation the distillate has 60 to 80% ABV.
Where is Framboise d'Alsace made?
Maceration, distillation, ageing and blending take place only in Alsace, in the Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin departments.
How does Framboise d'Alsace differ from Haist?
Both are made by steeping and distilling, but Framboise d'Alsace has its own rules: only red-fleshed raspberries, copper stills, at least 45% ABV and at least 2 months of ageing.
How is Framboise d'Alsace served?
Very cold or at room temperature, in small measures as a digestif. It is also added to dishes and Alsatian desserts.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🧑🤝🧑 French — The French are the main population of France, known for the festive meal and baguette on UNESCO's list, for wine and for cheese.
- 🥃 Fruit spirit — A spirit from fermented fruit, berries or vegetables: from 37.5% vol., no added alcohol or flavourings; kirsch, Williams, pálinka.
- 🥃 Whisky d’Alsace (Alsace whisky) — French geographical indication since 2008: whisky made only from malted barley, distilled and matured in Alsace, with no caramel colouring.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
Similar
🥃 Damassine · 🥃 Nagykörű sweet cherry pálinka (Nagykörűi cseresznyepálinka) · 🥃 Újfehértó sour cherry pálinka (Újfehértói meggypálinka) · 🥃 Homokhátság peach pálinka (Homokháti őszibarack pálinka) · 🥃 Medronho do Algarve · 🥃 Aprikot trentino
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Cahier des charges de l'indication géographique « Framboise d'Alsace », homologué par l'arrêté du 30 décembre 2014 (JORF 14.01.2015), BO AGRI 22.01.2015: catégorie 16, red-fleshed Rubus idaeus, maceration, copper stills ≤ 25 hl, distillate 60–80 % vol., maturation ≥ 2 months, sugar ≤ 10 g/l, ≥ 45 % vol.
- INAO — Framboise d'Alsace (fiche produit: macération, alambics en cuivre, maturation de deux mois minimum; ODG Syndicat des Distillateurs et des Liquoristes d'Alsace)
- Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, Annex III as at 31.01.2020 (legislation.gov.uk): Framboise d'Alsace — France
- Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, Annex II as at 31.01.2020 (legislation.gov.uk): category 16, spirit obtained by maceration and distillation (raspberry, Rubus idaeus L.)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)