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When comparing what are arguably the most famous orange liqueurs, Cointreau and Grand Marnier, it can be confusing to figure out which one to use in a recipe. So let’s go over the differences and talk about cocktails, shall we?

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COINTREAU VS GRAND MARNIER IN COCKTAILS

In short, Cointreau is a triple sec orange liqueur made with sugar beet alcohol (a neutral alcohol), sweet oranges, and bitter oranges. And then there’s Grand Marnier, a curaçao style of triple sec orange liqueur that includes a blend of cognac and bitter orange peels. It’s also a barrel-aged spirit whereas Cointreau is unaged. 

Both are made with bitter orange as the key ingredient, but they are different styles of orange-flavored liqueur married with other herbs and ingredients that give each their own flavor profile, and they are therefore used in different ways in a variety of delicious cocktails.

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In my opinion, Cointreau is more versatile in cocktails. It works well with lighter spirits like light rums, gin, tequila, and vodka. Grand Marnier is much heavier, which can throw off a lighter style cocktail like a Corpse Reviver #2 or Cosmopolitan and weigh down the base spirit.

Both are French liqueurs that bring a light orange flavor with the same alcohol content of 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), but Cointreau is definitely lighter and easier to use. (Again, just my opinion! Feel free to prove me wrong in the comments!)

This is also why you’ll also probably use Cointreau as the sweetener in a Margarita, whereas Grand Marnier is often added as a shot on the side for an extra layer of flavor.

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And in fact, if you look back at the old cocktail books starting from the late 1800s, you’re far more likely to see Cointreau than Grand Marnier listed as an ingredient.

If you do need to substitute Cointreau for Grand Marnier, however, consider using slightly more Cointreau (not a lot – maybe an additional ⅛ oz per oz). This will add the weight and sweetness that your recipe would otherwise be getting from the Grand Marnier.

In reverse, use slightly less Grand Marnier when substituting for Cointreau, as this will similarly adjust for weight and sweetness.

Photo by Nikita-Tikhomirov via www.unsplash.com

COCKTAILS WITH COINTREAU

Given that Cointreau is seen more often in cocktail ingredient lists, we’ve put together a compilation of a few classic cocktails you’re sure to love. After you’ve made these, definitely let us know in the comments what your favorite Cointreau (or triple sec) cocktail is!

OUR FAVORITE COINTREAU COCKTAIL RECIPES

Below are some of our favorite drinks traditionally made with Cointreau (or a generic triple sec, if you don’t have Cointreau on hand). Grab your cocktail shaker, and click on the links below for some of our favorite cocktail recipes using Cointreau.

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Classic Margarita Recipe
Margarita
Classic Sidecar Cocktail
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Mai Tai
Corpse reviver #2