Grand Marnier needs no real introduction, a household name and a staple in many mixology recipes the world over, it is consumed by connoisseurs and amateurs alike, with its most famous use being in the classic French recipe "Crepes Suzette". The Cordon Rouge, or Red Ribbon, is the original orange-flavored liqueur created by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle in 1880.
Winner of many awards, including Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2001, this unique creation is made from a blend of Cognac, distilled essence of bitter orange and sugar. Interestingly, it is not a "triple sec" like Cointreau, but rather a liqueur produced in the curaçao tradition.
The Cordon Rouge is the icon of the Maison Marnier, blending the bold intensity of bitter orange with Cognac's noble heritage and history. Containing Cognacs from all 5 terroirs, the eaux-de-vie are carefully selected by Marnier's Cellar Master before being left to age in French oak barrels at the Chateau de Bourg in Charente.
The orange essence is developed exclusively using citrus bigaradia, picked by hand when they are still green and not yet ripe, resulting in a deeper concentration of flavors produced by the peel. Once dried using a complex artisanal process, the peels are distilled in such a way as to maintain the round and incomparable subtlety that one can only experience by sipping a Grand Marnier.
Once mixed with the Cognac, the blend is then left to age further in oak casks. The recipe is an ancient secret guarded by the Marnier Lapostolle family for generations, its marmalade flavors make it a particular favorite amongst mixologists and cocktail fans.
Of course, this legendary drink can be enjoyed neat as an apéritif, however, its most common use is in cocktails across the world. Why not try it in a Grand Marnier Smash for some spring or summer sippin'?
- 8-10 mint leaves
- Half a lemon plus one wedge for decoration
- 1.5 fl. Oz of Grand Marnier
- Ice
Squeeze lemon juice into a cocktail shaker and add your Grand Marnier, drop the lemon wedges into the shaker too as the oils released by the zest will add a further citrus kick. Before placing your mint leaves into the shaker, 'slap' them by clapping with them in your hands (this opens the pores on the leaf, for a more intense flavor release), add to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, shake hard and double stain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
This legendary bottle is instantly recognizable by its unique shape. The deep red tone not only perfectly complements the Red Ribbon and wax seal of approval, but also reflect the color of blood orange, a subtle nod to Grand Marnier's bitter orange flavor hidden inside. This liqueur is a staple for any home bar-owner or cocktail creator. A unique liqueur that provides a different drinking experience to your usual XO or Pineau.
Marnier Lapostolle, Cognac Marnier – a product that’s part of the perhaps more well-known trade name of Grand Marnier, has a history dating back to 1827. Now a worldwide name, Grand Marnier and their related products are still run by descendants of the original founders – the Marnier Lapostolle family. Most famous for their cognac and orange liqueur – Grand Marnier – the house also boasts a range of cognacs under the brand name of Cognac Marnier.
Read more about Marnier Cognac
