LITERARY fans can now raise a glass to celebrate the bicentenary of Charlotte Bronte's birth – with a special tipple produced in her honour.

Charlotte's Reserve has been launched by the Bronte Liqueur Company to pay homage to the legendary Jane Eyre author.

Full details of the recipe for the limited-edition bramble and creamy caramel liqueur, sweetened with wildflower honey and jasmine, have been kept under wraps.

Behind the initiative is company founder Sir James Aykroyd, a Bronte Society member, whose great grandfather Sir James Roberts bought the Haworth parsonage in 1928 and gifted it to the society.

He said he was delighted to be launching the new drink.

"Liqueurs have a bit of an image problem with the modern consumer and are often consigned to the back of the drinks cupboard to be brought out at Christmas," Sir James added.

"But it's my mission to raise awareness of these drinks as a versatile ingredient in cocktails.

"The fruity liqueur mixes perfectly with champagne and with mixers to make a refreshing cocktail and works really well with chocolate.

"We're working with the hospitality industry throughout the UK and overseas to demonstrate this to younger consumers through a series of exclusive recipes as we believe that tasting really is believing!"

The latest product is designed to complement the existing Bronte Liqueur, which was relaunched two years ago.

The Birstwith-based company sells directly to upmarket bars and restaurants and specialist independent retailers.

And contacts have been made with importers in countries including Russia, Italy, Spain, Japan, Canada and the United States.

Part of the proceeds from sales are being donated to the Bronte Society.

Charlotte's views towards alcohol were uncertain.

But Rebecca Yorke, head of communications and marketing at the Bronte Society said: "Sir James is a longstanding member of the society and we are delighted he has chosen to donate a percentage of the income from the sales of his liqueur to the museum."

Charlotte's Reserve, whose 20cl bottle comes in a presentation box reminiscent of an 18th-century leather-bound book, retails at £19.99.

It is available from independent retailers or via bronteliqueur.com.