4 Ways to Upgrade the Traditional Margarita From 'Good' to 'Grand' With Grand Marnier
When you think of summer, you probably think of coconut-scented sunscreen, beach suits, and icy drinks. Whatever the reason, the lively, zesty Margarita remains the unrivaled warm-weather libation of choice. Historically, the popularity of citrus and sour drinks peaks around April, May, and June. Margaritas are the most popular drink in the United States, according to Drizly consumer research. Furthermore, according to a Salsify consumer research survey, 40% of customers value high-quality components the highest.
Bottom line: Everyone enjoys a decent Margarita made with premium alcohol and fresh ingredients. The orange-forward Grand Marnier liquor really shines in the Margarita. The fresh lime juice complements the citrus notes in Grand Marnier, and the Cognac in the mix adds depth and complexity, resulting in a fascinating twist on the classic Margarita.
Grand Marnier urges us to sample their spin on tradition with the classic Margarita and its lively interpretations, especially in the spring and summer.
A Citrus Appeal with Bold Roots
Jean Baptiste Lapostolle founded Grand Marnier approximately two centuries ago, in 1827, when he erected a premium fruit liqueurs distillery in Neauphle-le-Château, a little town outside of Paris. His first distillery immediately established a solid reputation for producing high-quality spirits.
Julia, Jean Baptiste Lapostolle's granddaughter, married Louis-Alexandre Marnier in 1876. The Marniers were wine merchants who sold Lapostolle's goods. Julia and Louis-Alexandre's marriage gave rise to La Maison Marnier Lapostolle. In 1880, Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle had the bold notion of combining Cognac with a unique kind of Caribbean oranges. This surprising, "grand" taste contact was the genesis of Grand Marnier liqueur. Nearly 150 years later, it's apparent that the recipe has endured the test of time.
So, how does Grand Marnier make such a lovely, delicious spirit?
The procedure begins with the careful hand-picking of oranges at their fragrant optimum while still green. The orange peels are sun-dried, which maintains the flavor of the essential oils contained in their skin. The dried peels are subsequently delivered to the distillery at Château de Bourg-Charente.
The Château de Bourg-Charente inspects the peels for quality. After rehydrating the peels in water for 24 hours, the white portion — the albedo — is removed from the zest. After that, the zest is macerated in neutral alcohol for up to eight days to extract the oils. The taste from each peel is then concentrated by long distillation, and voilà ! Grand Marnier works well as a stand-alone drink or as an ingredient in a high-end cocktail.
Grand Marnier significantly increased its exports, particularly to the United States, in 1970. Following that, during a cocktail renaissance in the 1980s, the Grand Margarita became a great popularity. The cocktail business is currently undergoing a renaissance in which everything goes — as long as it's a good drinking experience.
Are you ready to start your tasting adventure? We've prepared four easy-to-enjoy (and easy-to-make) Grand Marnier Margaritas for you.
The addition of Grand Marnier gives this traditional drink a zippy orange rush on the tongue, while the Cognac adds depth. The blend of old Espoln Reposado Tequila and Grand Marnier creates a unique, rich flavor.
● ¾ ounce Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
● 1 ½ ounces Espolòn Reposado Tequila
● ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
● ¼ ounce agave nectar
● Garnish: lime wheel. Salt optional
Instructions
In a shaker tin, combine all of the ingredients, add ice, and shake.
Pour into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with a lime wheel.
The flavors of a sunny day are fresh basil, zesty orange, and sour lemon. This bright, sophisticated drink has a citrus edge, as well as subtle sweet and salty overtones that will dazzle your BBQ cookout visitors. The Cognac foundation of Grand Marnier offers a subtle depth that highlights the vibrant basil and lemon tastes, resulting in a grounded and nuanced Margarita.
Ingredients
● 1 ounce Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
● 2 ounces Espolòn Blanco Tequila
● 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
● ¼ ounce simple syrup
● 4 basil leaves
● ½ sugar and ½ salt mixture, for rim
Instructions.
In a shaker tin, combine all of the ingredients, add ice, and shake.
In a coupe glass, strain twice over new ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of basil.
Say hello to your new favorite Margarita riff. Enjoy delicate citrus notes from the blood orange purée, bittersweet and oaky nuances from the Cognac in Grand Marnier, and the agave-forward flavor of tequila.
Ingredients
1 oz. Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge 1 12 oz. Espoln Blanco Tequila
1 ounce Boiron Blood Orange Purée 34 ounce lime juice For the rim: salt
Instructions
In a shaker tin, combine all of the ingredients, add ice, and shake.
In a coupe glass with a half salt rim, strain over new ice.
Serve with an orange peel as a garnish.
What spice connoisseur doesn't enjoy a chili salt rim? The fresh watermelon juice adds sweetness, the chile salt adds spice, and the Cognac in Grand Marnier liqueur adds a layer of smoking elegance. The end result? A flavor-packed drink that screams, "Hey there, beach weather!"
Ingredients
2 ounces Espoln Blanco Tequila 1 ounce Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
14 ounce agave syrup 1 ounce fresh lime 1 ounce fresh watermelon juice 1 ounce fresh watermelon wedge
Instructions
Shake all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with rocks ice.
Garnish with a slice of watermelon and chili salt.
