Cointreau Orange Liqueur 40%

Additional information

Origin	France
Vintage	NV
Bottle sizes	70cl

Description

Cointreau is an orange-flavoured liqueur, a type of Triple Sec, produced in Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou, in the Loire Valley, France. It is arguably the most famous French orange liqueur, although Grand Marnier might argue otherwise.

History of Cointreau

The famous Cointreau distillery was set up by Adolphe and Edouard-Jean Cointreau in 1849 when Adolphe, a confectioner, decided to diversify the family business. The first liqueur produce was Guignolet, a wild cherry liqueur; however, the distillery’s famous orange liqueur, then called Curacao Blanco Triple Sec was not launched, along with its iconic square bottle, until 1885 by Edouard Cointreau, son of Edouard-Jean.

A Blend of Sweet and Bitter Orange Peels

Cointreau Orange Liqueur is made by macerating peels from both sweet and bitter oranges in a pure alcohol made from sugar beets with the addition of water and sugar. The bitter oranges are sourced from many countries around the world, including Spain, Brazil and Haiti.

An Essential Cocktail Ingredient

Cointreau can be served neat, usually over ice, but it is also used in many famous cocktails including the original recipe for the Margarita and the International Bartender’s Association (IBA) approved Cosmopolitan recipe, created by Toby Cecchini in 1988.

Tasting Notes

Cointreau Orange Liqueur is packed full of complex and orange flavours and aromas of orange blossom and zest. It delivers a vibrant and zesty citrus character, primarily derived from sweet and bitter orange peels. It is sweet but the sweetness is well-balanced, not overly sugary or sweet. This is balanced by a subtle bitterness that adds depth and complexity.

To Serve

Serve neat over ice. Perfect in cocktails.

Classic Margarita Recipe

60 ml tequila
30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
30 ml Cointreau
Ice cubes
Lime wedges, for garnish
Salt, for rimming the glass (optional)

Take a lime wedge and rub it around the rim of a Margarita glass. Dip the rim of the glass into a plate of salt, coating it evenly and set aside.
In a cocktail shaker combine the tequila, lime juice and Cointreau.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Strain the Margarita into the glass and garnish the glass with a lime wedge.