Grand Marnier () is a French brand of Curaçao liqueurs. The brand's best-known product is Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, an orange-flavored liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is made from a blend of Cognac brandy, distilled essence of bitter orange, and sugar, containing 40% alcohol (70 British proof/ 80 US proof). It is commonly consumed "neat" as a cordial or a digestif, and can be used in mixed drinks and desserts. Popular examples of the latter include crêpes Suzette and crêpes au Grand Marnier.

Aside from Cordon Rouge, the Grand Marnier line includes other liqueurs, most of which can be used similarly.

History

According to its official website, Grand Marnier's first distillery was built in 1827 by Jean Baptiste Lapostolle in the village of Neauphle-le-Château. His granddaughter Julia married Louis-Alexandre Marnier in 1876, and four years later, the Marniers released a signature cognac with Haitian bitter orange.

Swiss hotelier César Ritz (1850–1918) reportedly came up with the name "Grand Marnier" for Marnier-Lapostolle, who in return helped him purchase and establish the Hotel Ritz Paris. During the extravagant Belle Époque, Grand Marnier was served in the Ritz Hotel as well as the Savoy Hotel.

Varieties

Cordon Rouge

Cordon Rouge ("Red Ribbon") is an orange-flavored cognac liqueur and the original Grand Marnier liqueur, created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is consumed neat and is also used in mixed drinks and desserts.

Signature Series

  • Natural Cherry – A blend of Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge with wild tropical Haitian and Dominican oranges and European Griotte cherries.
  • Raspberry Peach – A blend of European raspberries and rare red peaches from Ardèche, in the South of France, combined with Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge. It was also awarded the 4 Star recommendation from F. Paul Pacult's Kindred Spirits in the Spirit Journal Guide.

Cuvée du Centenaire:

  • 5-star recommendation from F. Paul Pacult's Kindred Spirits, the Spirit Journal Guide
  • Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2001
  • Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007

Cuvée Spéciale Cent Cinquantenaire:

  • "Best of the Best" Spirits in the Robb Report
  • 5-star recommendation from F. Paul Pacult's Kindred Spirits, the Spirit Journal Guide
  • Gold Medal at the Salon des Arts Ménagers 1983 – Brussels
  • "Best Liqueur” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2001
  • Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007

See also

  • Cointreau
  • Triple Sec
  • Curaçao (liqueur)

References

  • Grand Marnier product website