In 1605, the Duke of Estrees entrusted the Carthusians with a manuscript bearing a mysterious recipe made up of 130 plants that could give rise to an “Elixir of long life”. The Carthusian monks spent overa century and a half developing this recipe, with Brother Jrme Maubecfinalizingthe ultimate recipe in 1764- “Plant Elixir of the Grande Chartreuse”, since which it has remained unchanged. It was quickly distributed as a care product to local populations, especially during the cholera crisis of 1832, in which it may not have cured the cholera, but it gave some very sick people a taste of the heavens. A “Brother Charles” was the first to market it in local markets, descending on a donkey from the monastery to sell this mysterious and enchanting elixir.

It is a cordial, a digestive and a very effective tonic:
– Pure in a teaspoon
– In herbal tea or hot toddy with honey and lemon
– A few drops on a piece of sugar, on a meringue
– In a cup of water in case of fatigue, discomfort or indisposition
– A few drops in a cocktail to bring a herbaceous note