Grand Marnier is a Fruit Liqueurs crafted in France.
Grand Marnier is a unique blend of cognac and bitter orange liqueur that offers a luxurious, complex flavor profile. Interestingly, the distinctive oranges used in Grand Marnier are cultivated in Haiti and undergo a special sun-drying process before being macerated in neutral alcohol for several weeks, contributing to the liqueur's rich, aromatic character.
Grand Marnier stands out as a unique orange liqueur, not a rum, blending fine cognac with bitter orange essence for a luxurious and complex flavor profile. Its distinctive taste comes from using only the aromatic peels of Caribbean-grown bitter oranges, which are carefully dried and macerated in neutral spirits before being distilled and blended with cognac, resulting in a remarkably smooth and versatile spirit that can elevate both classic and contemporary cocktails.
Grand Marnier shines when sipped neat at room temperature, allowing its complex orange and cognac flavors to fully unfold on the palate, but it's equally delightful on the rocks or as a key ingredient in citrus-forward cocktails. This versatile liqueur is a year-round treat, pairing beautifully with rich desserts like chocolate mousse or crêpes Suzette, and adding depth to savory dishes such as duck à l'orange.
Nose: Bright orange zest and candied citrus peel leap from the glass. Rich cognac aromas follow, bringing notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit. A subtle hint of spice adds complexity.
Palate: Smooth and full-bodied. Sweet orange flavors dominate initially, balanced by the warmth of aged cognac. Taste of toasted nuts, caramel, and a touch of bitter orange pith. The alcohol is present but well-integrated.
Finish: Long and warming. The orange notes linger, slowly fading to reveal more of the cognac's character. Slight oak tannins and a gentle spiciness leave a pleasant dryness on the tongue.
Grand Marnier is crafted by blending cognac with the essence of bitter orange peels, which are macerated in neutral alcohol before being distilled. What's fascinating about the production process is that the cognac used in Grand Marnier is aged in French oak barrels for up to 10 years, imparting rich, complex flavors before it's married with the orange distillate and sweetened to create the final liqueur.
1.5 oz gin, like The Botanist
.75 oz Grand Marnier
.75 oz red sweet vermouth, like Baldoria
freshly-squeezed lemon juice (to taste) & rind
Add gin, Grand Marnier, vermouth, and lemon juice (to taste, not more than .25 oz) to cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.
Lightly express the oils of the lemon rind over the surface of the drink.
1.5 oz High N' Wicked 5 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye
1 oz Lustau Dry Amontillado Los Arcos
0.5 oz Paolucci Amaro CioCiaro
0.5 oz Grand Marnier
1 dash Regan’s Orange Bitters
Stir ingredients with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.
Garnish with an orange peel, if you’d like.
1.5 oz High N' Wicked 5 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye
1 oz Lustau Dry Amontillado Los Arcos
0.5 oz Paolucci Amaro CioCiaro
0.5 oz Grand Marnier
1 dash Regan’s Orange Bitters
Stir ingredients with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.
Garnish with an orange peel, if you’d like.
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