National Grand Marnier Day is celebrated on July 14 each year, highlighting this delicious French drink (move over, champagne). Grand Marnier is a French liqueur brand best known for its Grand Marnier Cordon Roge orange-flavored liqueur made from a blend of cognac, sugar, and pure bitter orange essence. With its citrusy notes, we are calling it fruit-infused and therefore somewhat healthy.
With its citrusy notes, we’re calling it fruit-infused and therefore somewhat healthy. If you’re confused about the difference between whiskey and cognac, here’s a quick tip: whiskeys are made from rye, corn, and barley malt, while cognac is a type of brandy made from grapes. Both are aged in oak barrels, which can be confusing. Now that your taste buds are excited about this exotic blend, join us as we explore the origins of this holiday and the cognac itself, and check out the best cocktail and food recipes to enjoy Grand Marnier!
History of National Grand Marnier Day
Grand Marnier liqueur was created by Frenchman Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle, who loved experimenting with blending different fruits with liquor. After nearly ten years of experimentation, he found the perfect mix of Haitian tropical oranges and traditional French cognac in 1880, leading to the creation of Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, the most famous product of the Grand Marnier brand.
This amber-hued, citrusy liqueur can be enjoyed on its own or in cocktails, and it’s no surprise that Grand Marnier is now a well-known name in the liquor industry. The brand is considered one of the top luxury liquors worldwide, and its price reflects this status. This is because Grand Marnier uses only the finest aged cognac made from Ugni Blanc grapes, which are double-distilled in France’s Cognac region.
Grand Marnier is so famous that a bottle was even found in the wreck of the Titanic! Since 1827, the distillery has been owned by the Marnier Family, and their reputation is so great that in 2002, they created a special blend called Cuvee Grand Marnier to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.
Some of the most expensive Grand Marnier liqueurs can cost up to $800 a bottle, and the brand is hugely popular in both France and America. If this does not convince you to try this amazing drink, we suggest you explore the delicious dishes that use this amber liqueur in their recipes.
| 1600s (Cognac is Born) | The Cognac district of Charente begins to distill wines to withstand distant shipping. |
| 1827 (Grand Marnier Distillery Opens) | Jean-Baptiste Lapostolle opens a small distillery near Paris, traveling to Cognac to learn all about the art of cognac-making. |
| 1880 (Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge is Invented) | Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle invents the perfect blend of cognac and bitter oranges, which rapidly gains popularity worldwide. |
| 2002 (Grand Marnier Celebrates the Royal Golden Jubilee) | A special bottle of Grand Marnier is created in honor of 50 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. |
Frequently Asked Question
Why is cognac so expensive?
Cognac is so expensive because it is aged in oak barrels for a very long time, and its high price is due to its limited production. Cognac accounts for less than 1% of the world’s spirits by volume.
What can you use Grand Marnier For?
Grand Marnier is a main ingredient in the classic Sidecar cocktail, which combines brandy, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. It’s also known for enhancing Margaritas and is featured in other popular cocktails like the Cosmopolitan and Lemon Drop Martini, among many others.
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