A historic French distillery, the birthplace of an iconic orange liqueur and a surprisingly extensive range of cocktail syrups. Meet Combier from Saumur, a brand that has been championing the art of flavour creation since 1834. From classic cocktails to sophisticated mocktails, coffee specialities and culinary creations: there’s plenty to discover with Combier. And from now on, you can find it at Broekmans too.
From a small confectionery shop to a historic distillery
The story of Combier begins in 1834 in Saumur, a charming town on the Loire in France. There, Jean-Baptiste Combier, together with his wife, opened the Combier-Destre confectionery.
As a confectioner, Combier had a particular interest in fruit, herbs and flavours. In a small still at the back of his shop, he experimented with orange peel and alcohol. The result was a clear orange liqueur that would later become known as L’Original Combier Triple Sec.
The liqueur was initially used to flavour sweets and chocolate, but soon became a speciality in its own right.
In 1848, Jean-Baptiste Combier had his own distillery built, close to the famous cavalry school in Saumur. In doing so, he laid the foundations for a company that, almost two centuries later, is still operating from the same historic location.
Today, Distillerie Combier is one of the oldest distilleries still in operation in the Loire Valley.
Almost two centuries of craftsmanship, officially recognised
Anyone visiting the distillery in Saumur will discover that Combier preserves its history in more than just stories.
The distilling room still houses ten historic copper stills that are actively used. The selection and processing of fruit, plants and spices remain a key part of the craftsmanship.
Under the guidance of master distiller Franck Choisne, Combier continues to cherish its historic recipes whilst simultaneously developing new products.
This unique heritage received official recognition in 2016 with the French ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant’ (EPV) label.
This prestigious government label is awarded to French companies that excel in exceptional artisanal or industrial craftsmanship. It is not merely a marketing distinction, but a recognition of the expertise preserved and passed on within a company.
A fine testament to the place Combier occupies within the French distilling tradition.
L’Original Combier: back to the origins of Triple Sec
One of the house’s best-known products is undoubtedly L’Original Combier Triple Sec.
According to the brand’s own history, Jean-Baptiste Combier developed this orange liqueur as early as 1834. The house regards his creation as the origin of the Triple Sec category.
The liqueur is made using the peel of sweet and bitter oranges and has a distinct citrus character.
Today, Triple Sec is one of the classic ingredients in the international cocktail world. Without orange liqueur, well-known cocktails such as the Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Sidecar and White Lady would not have the same flavour balance.
For home bartenders and professional mixologists, L’Original Combier is therefore an interesting discovery: a classic cocktail ingredient with a particularly long history.
But anyone who thinks that Combier produces only orange liqueur has only discovered a small part of its range.
A world of fruity, floral and herbal liqueurs
Alongside its historic Triple Sec, Combier has developed an extensive range of fruit and herbal liqueurs.
The range available at Broekmans includes, amongst others, raspberry, strawberry, mango, passion fruit and lychee liqueurs, as well as more distinctive flavours such as violets and vanilla.
One particularly special creation is Pure Folie Fraise, a strawberry liqueur in which fruit from the Loire Valley is combined with Chenin Blanc, mint, ginger and spices. The result is an original interpretation of a fruit liqueur that works equally well in cocktails and with desserts.
Royal Combier also deserves a mention. This historic creation from 1920 combines L’Original Combier with the spicy L’Elixir Combier and Delamain cognac.
The range demonstrates the breadth of the house’s expertise: from classic citrus liqueurs to more complex creations that bring together fruit, herbs and spirits.
Internationally acclaimed too
The house’s quality has recently received international recognition.
At the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), Combier won two gold awards.
Gin Meridor was awarded 98 points and a Gold Outstanding medal. The company’s elderflower liqueur scored 95 points and won a gold medal.
According to Combier, Gin Meridor had also previously been recognised at international competitions in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
These results underscore that Combier can not only draw on its history, but also continues to receive recognition for its products today.
La Folie: Combier’s surprising range of syrups
As well as its liqueurs, there is another side to Combier that we’d like to highlight: La Folie, an extensive range of non-alcoholic syrups.
Anyone who enjoys making cocktails or mocktails is likely to be familiar with syrup brands such as Monin, 1883 Maison Routin or Bacanha.
With La Folie, Combier offers an interesting alternative from the French Loire Valley, from a house that has specialised in developing flavours for generations.
And La Folie is no small side range. The distillery produces more than fifty different syrup varieties, ranging from classic flavours such as grenadine, mint and vanilla to more unusual combinations and floral specialities.
What makes La Folie interesting?
A key distinguishing feature is its origin. The syrups are produced in Saumur, at the historic site of Distillerie Combier.
The company’s official product documentation also provides insight into the composition.
The base syrup consists of water and sugar. Depending on the flavour variant, fruit juices, fruit and plant extracts or flavourings are added. According to the manufacturer, the majority of the flavourings used are of natural origin. Colourings may be used where necessary.
According to the manufacturer, La Folie syrups contain no added preservatives.
These are specific product characteristics that make La Folie an attractive choice for those who want to make a conscious choice of syrup brand, without us needing to suggest that other brands are inferior.
The syrups are also exceptionally versatile. They are suitable not only for cocktails, but also for non-alcoholic drinks, coffee, tea and a wide range of culinary uses.
From your home bar to a professional cocktail menu: discover the possibilities
The great thing about La Folie is that you don’t need to be a professional bartender to create something special with it.
With a good flavouring, some fresh ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can go in a surprising number of directions.
Here’s a selection of the flavours you can discover at Broekmans:
La Folie Fleur de Sureau – elegant and floral
Elderflower is a particularly interesting flavour for those who love fresh, refined drinks.
Try combining the syrup with sparkling water, fresh lime and mint for a non-alcoholic take on a Hugo Spritz. There are also interesting possibilities when paired with gin, tonic or sparkling wine.
For brasseries, elderflower is a lovely base for a house aperitif or a sophisticated mocktail.
La Folie Fruit de la Passion – tropical and versatile
Passion fruit is a popular ingredient in modern cocktails. Its exotic, sweet-and-sour character makes this flavour particularly well-suited to tropical drink creations.
Think of an alcohol-free version of the Pornstar Martini, a tropical lemonade or a fruity cocktail with vodka or rum.
In the kitchen too, passion fruit can be a surprising addition to panna cotta, cheesecake or dessert sauces.
La Folie Concombre – a fresh, green touch
Cucumber may not be the first flavour that springs to mind when thinking of syrups, but that’s precisely why this variety is so interesting.
The fresh, green flavour profile pairs well with gin, tonic, lime and aromatic herbs.
A great choice for an original gin and tonic, a refreshing mocktail or a summery homemade lemonade.
For professional bars, cucumber also offers interesting opportunities to develop their own signature drink.
La Folie Orgeat – a classic for the cocktail lover
Orgeat is a sweet syrup with an almond flavour that has a firm place in the world of classic cocktails.
It is known, amongst other things, as an ingredient in the Mai Tai, an iconic rum cocktail from the tiki tradition.
But orgeat can also be used outside of cocktails. The hint of almond complements, for example, coffee, desserts and dishes where a subtle nutty flavour is desired.
La Folie Vanille and Noisette – also for coffee and patisserie
With vanilla and hazelnut syrups, we appeal to a completely different target audience.
These flavours are of interest to coffee bars, brasseries and anyone who enjoys experimenting with coffee specialities at home.
A dash of vanilla syrup in a latte, a hint of hazelnut in iced coffee or an original finishing touch to a dessert: the possibilities go far beyond the classic cocktail bar.
For amateur chefs and pastry chefs, these syrups can also be handy ingredients for adding a distinctive flavour to a dish.
Plenty of possibilities, even without alcohol
The popularity of non-alcoholic cocktails has significantly expanded the possibilities for syrups.
Whereas a mocktail used to be little more than a combination of fruit juices, today’s recipes increasingly feature a carefully considered balance of sweet, sour, bitter and aromatic flavours.
Syrups can play a key role in this.
With La Folie, for example, you can transform a simple combination of sparkling water, lemon and ice into a refreshing homemade lemonade. Add a fruity or floral flavour, finish with fresh herbs, and you instantly have a drink with its own distinct character.
Combier also publishes its own recipes for its syrups. For instance, the company suggests an alcohol-free ‘Virgin Sunrise’ made with green mint syrup, raspberry syrup, orange juice and lemon juice.
It proves that you can create a great deal of variety even with just a limited number of ingredients.
An interesting discovery for the hospitality sector and brasseries
For professional users, La Folie offers an additional advantage: with a relatively limited number of base flavours, you can create a wide range of drinks.
A syrup can be used to flavour a cocktail, but just as easily a mocktail, homemade lemonade, iced tea or coffee speciality.
This makes it possible to feature a variety of drinks on the menu using ingredients that can be used in multiple ways.
What’s more, an appealing non-alcoholic drinks menu doesn’t have to be complicated. A few well-chosen syrups, combined with high-quality mixers, fresh fruit and herbs, already form an interesting basis.
For hospitality businesses currently using Monin, 1883 or Bacanha, La Folie is therefore definitely a brand worth discovering and comparing for themselves.
Not because a trusted brand necessarily needs to be replaced, but because an alternative with its own history, heritage and range of flavours can offer fresh inspiration.
Discover Combier at Broekmans
With Combier, we at Broekmans are welcoming a brand that aligns particularly well with our passion for high-quality drinks and exciting discoveries.
It is a house that traces its origins back to a French confectionery established in 1834, which grew into a historic distillery and today offers an extensive range of liqueurs and syrups.
Whether you want to perfect a classic Margarita with L’Original Combier Triple Sec, create a surprising mocktail with La Folie, are looking for a new coffee speciality for your brasserie, or enjoy experimenting with desserts: the range offers a wealth of possibilities.
Curious? Discover the Combier range at Broekmans and experience nearly two centuries of French flavour expertise.
Discover all Combier liqueurs and La Folie syrups at Broekmans
Sources and links
- Official brand history of Combier
- Combier Distillery
- Official La Folie range
- Official La Folie product brochure (PDF)
- Combier’s La Folie recipe book
- IWSC Awards 2025 (PDF)
Marketing • IT • Klantenservice
I've known Broekmans since I graduated in 2006 and thanks to Jan I've come to know the passion for spirits. I dedicate myself every day to the webshop, customer service and all the IT involved. In my spare time, besides whiskey, I can also really enjoy rum, but just as much as a gin tonic or a simple bellini. In the words of Martien Meiland, if there's no alcohol in it, don't call me!
