Cointreau vs Grand Marnier: A complete guide to the differences and similarities between these two orange liqueurs! From expensive liqueurs laced with brandy to simple triple secs, I cover all the top brands so you know which will best suit your needs. I've even included a few cocktail recipes to try!
A Guide To Two Popular Orange Liqueur Brands
You may be familiar with orange liqueur from some of your favorite cocktails like margaritas, cosmopolitans, or mai tais. But what is orange liqueur and are all orange liqueurs created equal?
Two of the most popular and widely recognized names for orange liqueur are Cointreau and Grand Marnier. Below I discuss the characteristics of these two premier alcohols as well as more great brands of orange liqueur so you know just what to look for when stocking your home bar.
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What Is Orange Liqueur
In short, orange liqueur is orange-flavored alcohol that has been slightly sweetened. Most use a neutral-grain base that is similar to vodka, while others will feature different liquors like brandy or, in some cases, tequila.
Most notable names of orange liqueur hail from either France or Mexico, though you can find different varieties world-wide. Orange liqueur is a broad term that includes many names you have heard before such as curaçao, triple sec, Cointreau, and Grand Marnier.
What Is Cointreau
- Region - Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, France
- Flavor - Pungent, citrus, spicy, and sweet
- Cost - $41 / 750 ml
- Alcohol Content - 40%
One of the most widely-recognized and respected brands of orange liqueur in the world. If you're looking for a versatile orange liqueur to keep on hand for a apéritif, digestif, or as a tasty addition to cocktails, you can't go wrong with Cointreau.
A blend of sweet and bitter orange peels gives Cointreau its signature flavor. The liqueur is crystal clear with a heavy citrus aroma and lingering fresh taste.
What Is Grand Marnier
- Region - Cognac (Charente), France
- Flavor - Hazelnut, orange, vanilla, and marmalade
- Cost - $42 / 750 ml
- Alcohol Content - 40%
A premium blend of cognag, oranges, and nectarines, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge is the signature liqueur of Grand Marnier distilling. The bottle is highly-recognizable and easy to find. The essence of bitter orange is blended with sugar, cognac, and aged in French oak casks. Sip on it neat or add it to your favorite cocktails.
Cointreau vs Grand Marnier
Both Cointreau and Grand Marnier are orange liqueurs and can often be used in place of one another in drinks despite their flavors being unique.
The most drastic difference is that Grand Marnier is cognac-based which gives it a more robust flavor than Cointreau. Cointreau, on the other hand, is part of the triple-sec family with a smooth and complex orange flavor.
Grand Marnier is commonly used as an upgrade to Cointreau in cocktails calling for orange liqueur.
More Popular Brands Of Orange Liqueur
Combier Liqueur d’Orange
- Region - Saumur, France
- Flavor - Bright and clean with notes of fresh citrus
- Cost - $38 / 750 ml
- Alcohol Content - 40%
Combier Liqueur d’Orange is recognized as the world's first triple sec originating in 1834. It plays into the sweetness of oranges and has a refreshingly bright and clean taste. Many have tried to emulate the signature flavor of this liqueur using shortcuts in the distilling process or synthetic flavors, all with no success.
Patron Citronge Orange Liqueur
- Region - Jalisco, Mexico
- Flavor - A balance between bitter and sweet orange, floral, long lasting
- Cost - $25 / 750 ml
- Alcohol Content - 40%
Made by Patron Tequila, this orange liqueur can be used in anything from cocktails to gourmet recipes. It's 80 proof, so it packs a punch compared to most other orange liqueurs which are typically 70 proof.
Bols Triple Sec
- Region - Netherlands
- Flavor - Subtly sweet, citrus, fragrant
- Cost - $10 / 750 ml
- Alcohol Content - 21%
Bols is an affordable triple sec that is produced in the Netherlands. It's an affordable option with plenty of citrus flavor, but it comes in at 21% abv which is low compared to others on this list. If you're looking for a go-to triple sec to keep on hand for a variety of home cocktails, Bols is a safe bet.
Grand Garonne
- Region - France
- Flavor - Full-bodied, subtly sweet, long lasting
- Cost - $24 / 750 ml
- Alcohol Content - 40%
Grand Garonne is a cognac-based orange liqueur that makes an excellent addition to old fashioneds. The aroma is faint orange with notes of chocolate. It's smooth enough to enjoy neat, or add it to your margaritas for a new depth of flavor.
Agavero Orange Liqueur
- Region - Mexico
- Flavor - Sweet citrus and agave
- Cost - $24 / 750 ml
- Alcohol Content - 32%
This orange liqueur is unique in that it is produced with 100% blue agave tequila, agave nectar, and orange. Agavero is good enough to drink on the rocks, but it also makes a fantastic margarita and a great addition to other cocktails.
Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
- Region - Italy
- Flavor - Strong flavor tasting distinctly of blood oranges
- Cost - $40 / 750 ml
- Alcohol Content - 40%
If you are looking to add a unique flavor profile to your home cocktails, Solerno blood orange liqueur is just what you need. The aroma is typical orange, but the distinct blood orange flavor will pleasantly surprise you.
Vedrenne Curaçao Bleu
Region - France
Flavor - Sweet, citrus, hint of bark
Cost - $29 / 750 ml
Alcohol Content - 25%
Vedrenne blue curacao adds a vibrant blue color to cocktails but typically is not enjoyed on its own. The liqueur has notes of slightly bitter orange peel and fresh orange flesh with sweetness from added cane sugar. Blue couloring is added to achieve the electric blue appearance.
*Costs may vary depending on location.
What Is Blue Curaçao
Blue curaçao is simply curaçao with added blue coloring. It is typically only used in cocktails that would benefit from a bright blue color, mostly tropical drinks and margaritas.
Cocktail Recipes with Orange Liqueur
- Cosmopolitan - Cosmopolitans are the perfect balance between tart and sweet. For the best cosmo, I use Absolute Citron, cranberry juice cocktail, Cointreau, andlime juice.
- Vodka Margarita - A classic margarita with a vodka twist. In addition to the vodka, this drink includes lime juice, triple sec (or Cointreau, or Grand Marnier), and simple syrup. You can easily swap the vodka for tequila to keep it traditional.
- Pink Vodka Margarita - A pink vodka margarita includes pink vodka, of course, lime juice, orange liqueur (triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier are my preffered types), agave syrup, and grenadine. This gorgeous pink drink tastes as good as it looks!
- Blue Margarita - The citrus flavor of blue curaçao complements the lime in a margarita wonderfully. The vibrant blue color makes it a picture-perfect cocktail that is always a fan favorite.
- Old Fashioned - Traditionally, an orange liqueur is not in the base recipe for an old-fashioned. However, a spash of orange liqueur melds nicely with the bitters and bourbon for an elevated and distinguished old-fashioned.
- Frozen Blue Hawaiian Cocktail - By the neon blue color, you can tell this tropical drink includes blue curaçao. Rum, coconut, and the citrus flavor of the curaçao are blended together to make the ultimate drink for a day at the beach or lounging by the pool.
>>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<
I hope this post answered all of your questions regarding Cointreau vs Grand Marnier! If you have follow up questions, feel free to reach out in the comment section below!
🍸 More Tasty Cocktails
- Whiskey Sour - The complex flavor of whiskey or bourbon is nicely balanced by the sweetness of simple syrup and the tart citrus flavor of lemon juice.
- Bay Breeze Cocktail - Malibu rum, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice in one fruity and refreshing cocktail.
- Dark n Stormy Cocktail - A smooth and robust cocktail featuring Gosling’s Black Seal Rum.
- Sea Breeze Cocktail - This fruity cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and sour made with vodka, grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice.
- Royal Hawaiian Cocktail - A tasty gin cocktail featuring lemon juice, pineapple juice, and orgeat syrup for a lovely lilac color.
- Bahama Mama - The signature rum cocktail of vacation destinations everywhere!
📋 Recipe
Cointeau vs Grand Marnier: Cosmopolitan (+Complete Guide With More Tasty Cocktails!)
Ingredients
- ice
- 2 oz vodka (Absolut Citron)
- 1 oz cranberry juice cocktail
- ¾ oz lime juice (Rose's or fresh lime juice)
- ¾ oz triple sec (Cointreau)
- garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice and triple sec. Shake until chilled.ice, 2 oz vodka, 1 oz cranberry juice cocktail, ¾ oz lime juice, ¾ oz triple sec
- Strain into a chilled martini glass using the double strain method.
- Garnish with citrus wedge ( orange, lemon, or lime ) or curl.garnish
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- 1 ½ cups Absolut Citron
- ¾ cup cranberry juice cocktail
- ½ cup lime juice
- ½ cup Cointreau
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
Anonymous says
Ottimo! Complimenti! Proprio quello che cercavo. Grazie
"Optimal! Compliments! Just what I was looking for. Thank you"