Cointreau is a classic French liqueur made with bitter and sweet orange peels seeped in neutral spirits. This is a premium triple sec which is one of the two variations of orange liqueur. The other one is curacao that is made with a citrus variant similar to the orange called Laraha Citrus. There are blue and clear variations of curacao.
Cointreau was first bottled in 1875 and now sells around 13 million bottles a year. The method is highly secret to make the final product but you can take a tour of the factory. Just know that some places you can’t take pics.
Cointreau can be used in cooking which goes back to the inventors roots.
Unique Facts:
- It was invented by a confectioner (candy maker).
- The Liqueur is sold in over 150 countries.
- James Bond was a celebrity endorser in the 60s.
Cocktails:
- The classic Margarita was said to include Cointreau along with tequila and lime juice. The Cointreau brings the sweet.
- Cognac, Cointreau and Lemon Juice makes a Sidecar. Another classic cocktail.
- Swap cognac for gin in the Sidecar and you get a White Lady.
How I Enjoy: I enjoy a good sidecar and have ordered them and made them a lot. A great sipping cocktail. Budmo!
References:
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cointreau
- Corporate Page: http://www.cointreau.us/
- Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/article/interview-with-cointreau-s-richard-lambert-at-the-hotel-victor
