Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier is a French orange-flavoured liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is made from a blend of Cognac brandy, distilled essence of bitter orange, and sugar.

There is a belief that the name 'Grand Marnier' was coined by Cesar Ritz (1850-1918) for Marnier-Lapostolle, who, in turn, helped him purchase and establish the Ritz Paris Hotel.

There are such varieties of Grand Marnier: Cordon Rouge - the original Grand Marnier liqueur (with 'Natural Cherry' and 'Raspberry Peach' variations); Cordon Jaune - is a triple curaçao-like liqueur, which is made from neutral grain spirit instead of cognac; Cuvée du Centenaire - first released in limited quantity in 1927 to commemorate the centenary; Cuvée Spéciale Cent Cinquantenaire - is the finest kind of Grand Marnier, made from cognac aged up to 50 years; Cuvée Louis-Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle - based on cognacs from the most famous areas (Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois and Bons Bois), aged in oak barrels.

The drink can be consumed neat, as a digestif. Also, the liqueur is used as an ingredient for cocktails and cuisine. Grand Marnier is used in several types of pastries, such as liqueur cream buns. It can also be added to a French Christmas dessert, known as a 'Christmas log'.