Orange liqueur Cointreau, born a century and a half ago, as a tribute to fashion and the most cost-effective drink for the manufacturer, soon turned into something special, aristocratic and chic. For more than a century, there are liqueurs in the world, and there is Cointreau.
The rich orange taste of the drink has a bright trail, in which everyone discovers something only for themselves. The full composition of the liqueur is kept in strict confidence. Therefore, the mysteries that accompany this sweet, bitter, spicy and mild taste allow Cointreau to maintain its popularity throughout the world.
Composition and preparation technology
The Cointreau recipe includes:
- zest of bitter oranges (Antilles);
- sweet orange zest (Southern France);
- spring water (sources of the Anjou region in France);
- sugar syrup;
- alcohol (wheat or beet).
All other components of the drink are classified. It is impossible to say for sure, but Cointreau connoisseurs distinguish flavors of cinnamon, cayenne pepper and bay leaf.
Preparing Cointreau in several stages.
1. orange peel(and other secret ingredients) infused in alcohol throughout the day.
2. The resulting infusion is distilled twice (only copper stills are used).
3. Sugar syrup and spring water are added to the base of the liquor (the strength of the drink should not exceed 40 degrees).
The product is bottled in dark square bottles, the design of which was developed back in the 19th century.
How to drink: pure taste or cocktail base?
Cointreau drink in pure form, adding ice to reduce the sweetness, so that the drink reveals its amazing bouquet more fully. But cocktails with this liquor began to be prepared a hundred years ago.
On status classic drinks may well claim:
- Cointreau fiz - liqueur, soda, lime;
- B-52 - coffee liqueur (20 ml), cream liqueur (20 ml), Cointreau (25 ml), prepared by layering;
- Margarita - tequila (2 parts), lime juice (2 parts), liqueur (1 part);
- Long Island Ice Tea - liqueur, light rum, gin, vodka, tequila (15 ml each), black tea (30 ml), lemon juice(30 ml), cola (to taste). Served in tall glass with ice;
- Green Mile - liquor (40 ml), absinthe (40 ml), kiwi (1 piece). The ingredients are whipped in a blender with ice.
Connoisseurs especially appreciate Cointreau's property to slightly "fog" from contact with water or ice. This is a sign of the naturalness of the drink and the abundance of essential orange oils in it. Cocktails with Cointreau never lose the taste of liquor, no matter how insignificant the amount of drink in the glass is.
Cook at home
It is impossible to cook the original Cointreau at home. The recipe below allows you to make only an analogue famous liquor. It is necessary to prepare:
- vodka - one liter;
- lemon - 1 piece;
- oranges - 3 pieces;
- sugar - 200 grams;
- black pepper - 5 peas;
- red pepper (ground) - 1 pinch;
- bay leaf - 2 leaves.
The cooking process will not seem laborious even to the most inexperienced owner.
1. Cut the zest from the lemon and oranges - the thinner the better. Put in a clean and dry jar.
2. Add spices.
3. Pour vodka.
4. Add sugar.
5. We seal the jar hermetically. Mix everything thoroughly, shake.
6. We send the liquor to "ripen" in a dark place for 4-5 days.
7. We pass the drink through a gauze filter, pour it into dark bottles.
The resulting taste will be close to the original, homemade liqueur also "foggy" when in contact with ice. But even a not too sophisticated lover of the "orange aristocrat" will be able to understand that home product cannot repeat the miracle that is called the classic Cointreau.
History of the orange miracle
When the Cointreau brothers opened their distillery in the middle of the 19th century, they could not even imagine that they would create a legendary liquor that would bypass the popularity of alcohol from such a venerable producer as Curacao. Their ambitions were much more modest: the brothers set up production sweet tincture based on wild cherries.
The first modest success inspired one of the brothers, who in ten years expanded the range of liqueurs produced to three dozen. orange drink was also present, but did not have much success, he disappeared among the multitude of his own kind.
The son of one of the Cointreau brothers, Eduard, in 1875 creates a liquor that is prepared on the basis of both bitter and sweet oranges. The product was released, but it began to have success later, when Cointreau began to be bottled in special "square" bottles, a recognizable label appeared.
The real success for the liquor came when an advertising movie was shot about it (the very first in the world, in 1898). By the beginning of the 20th century, Cointreau acquired the very taste that is known throughout the world today.
The company - a manufacturer of popular alcohol - was a tasty object for large industrialists. In 1989, the Remi Martin cognac corporation bought the Cointreau factories. Today in stores you can see a drink called Cointreau Noir, an orange liqueur based on cognac.
Liqueur "Cointreau" can be safely called one of the most famous liqueurs in the world. He gained such popularity unusual taste and the ability to use it in numerous cocktails. Below we will talk about individual groups of cocktails with this drink.
1 Exquisite cocktails for one sip - the world of shots with Cointreau
Shots are a group of cocktails up to 60 ml. Traditionally served in stacks and designed for one sip. Distinctive feature shots or shooters (the name comes from the English word "shoot" - to shoot) - this is a high fortress, quick intoxication and a pleasant aftertaste. In shots with Cointreau, the aftertaste largely depends on the liquor. Here are a few cocktail recipes of this type that are worth trying at the bar or making at home.
- Royal Flush - card names always bring fame to cocktails. Pour 15 ml of ginger syrup into a shot glass, then with a cocktail spoon place De Kuyper Red Grapefruit Liqueur (15 ml) and the juice of a lemon wedge on top of it. The final layer is 15 ml of Cointreau.
- Medusa is a strong mixture. At the bottom of the pile, you need to pour 20 ml of light cocoa liquor, on top of it, 15 ml of Cointreau and absinthe are laid in layers. The final touch is 4 dashes of the beloved.
- Chiwawa is not a cocktail for the timid. Pour 20 ml of Cointreau into a shot glass, carefully pour 20 ml of silver tequila on top of it and set fire to the cocktail. While the fire is burning on it, you need to melt a piece cane sugar so that it gathers in drops of caramel at the bottom of the stack. When the sugar settles to the bottom you need to drink. In order not to burn your lips, it is worth running an ice cube along the edge of the stack.
Shots with Cointreau are always very strong and have an unusual taste. Actually, this is what bartenders see as the main potential for using this alcoholic drink.
2 There should be a lot of a good drink - the best longdrinks
3 Hot mixes with Cointreau
Due to its taste, the liquor has earned a special place in the preparation of grogs, mulled wines and punches. Even a small amount of Cointreau makes the recipe special. Trust me, your guests will want more.
Liquor can be safely added to all mulled wines based on dry red wine. It pairs well with bitter spices and citrus fruits. For example, you can use this recipe. IN enamel saucepan mix a liter of red wine and 100 ml of Cointreau, heat the mixture strongly. Then add honey, oranges, lemons and apples cut into rings, a couple of cloves, a cinnamon stick. Remove from heat and let stand 30 minutes. The main thing is not to boil the drink.
An important detail - for cocktails and especially bitter mixtures, it is better to take the original liquor, and not home-made liquor.
There are very interesting recipe English punch, which also provides for the use of this liquor. It is necessary to brew a liter of strong black tea and strain the tea leaves from it. In an enamel saucepan, mix tea, 100 ml and 70 ml of Cointreau, cut lemon and orange rings into the mixture. Bring almost to a boil, but do not let it boil. The drink can be poured right there, while it is hot and fragrant.
The recipe for hot mixes should not be considered final. You are always free to add water to it, increase or decrease the alcohol content. What you should be careful with is spices. If you put a few of them, it will not be tasty, and if you put a lot, you will have to dilute the drink and prolong the wait for your guests.
As you can see, Cointreau can become the basis for a wide variety of alcoholic mixtures. This is its main value for the bartender and any person who understands a lot about alcohol.
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Often used as a base for a variety of cocktails, both classic and modern. The history of this drink has more than a hundred years, during which the quality of the liquor has only improved. So, if you want to taste the ideal, make cocktails with Cointreau according to our recipes.
Cocktail recipe with Cointreau and cola
Ingredients:
- vodka - 15 ml;
- rum Bacardi - 15 ml;
- tequila - 15 ml;
- Cointreau - 15 ml;
- cola;
- lemon juice - 15-20 ml.
Cooking
We fill the highball with ice, add all the ingredients except lemon juice, and fill it to the brim with cola. Lemon juice is an ingredient that determines the taste of the drink, so it should be added in portions, to the very last turn, constantly adjusting the taste at your own discretion.
Cointreau cocktail
Ingredients:
- vodka - 45 ml;
- Cointreau - 15 ml;
- lemon juice - 30 ml;
- sugar syrup - 15 ml.
Cooking
Lightly moisten the rim of a martini glass with water and sprinkle with sugar. We put a couple of ice cubes in the glasses themselves so that by the time of serving the glass is chilled.
We fill the shaker with ice and pour vodka, lemon juice, syrup and Cointreau into it. Mix everything well and pour into glasses (previously removing ice from them).
Cocktail with Cointreau and pineapple juice
Ingredients:
- Midori liqueur - 45 ml;
- Cointreau - 15 ml;
- vodka - 15 ml;
- lemon juice - 15 ml;
- Pineapple juice- 45 ml.
Cooking
Fill the shaker with ice and add both types of liquor, vodka, lemon and. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and pour into a glass. Decorating a cocktail canned cherries or slices of pineapple.
Cocktail with Cointreau and ice cream
Ingredients:
- rum Malibu - 15 ml;
- white rum- 15 ml;
- black rum - 15 ml;
- chocolate liqueur - 30 ml;
- Cointreau - 30 ml;
- milk - 90 ml;
- vanilla ice cream - 1 tbsp.;
- coconut liqueur- 30 ml.
Cooking
Pour all types of rum, chocolate, coconut liqueur and Cointreau liqueur into the blender bowl, add milk and beat. As soon as all the ingredients are mixed, put a glass of vanilla ice cream and beat the cocktail again until smooth.
Serve a cocktail with rum and Cointreau should be sprinkled with grated dark chocolate or natural cocoa.
Cocktail with Cointreau and grenadine at home
Ingredients:
- gin - 45 ml;
- cherry liqueur Hiring - 15 ml;
- Cointreau - 10 ml;
- liquor Benedictine - 10 ml;
- pineapple juice - 120 ml;
- lime juice - 15 ml;
- grenadine - 10 ml;
- bitter - 1 drop.
Cooking
Fill a Boston glass with ice and add all the ingredients, stir a shaker glass on top and shake the mixture thoroughly. Pour the chilled smoothie into glasses and serve with a slice of pineapple or canned cherries.
Cocktail "Cosmopolitan" based on Cointreau
Ingredients:
- vodka - 45 ml;
- Cointreau - 15 ml;
- cranberry juice- 30 ml;
- lime - 15 ml.
Cooking
Vodka, liqueur, fruit drink and lime juice are placed in a shaker filled with ice. Shake all the ingredients for 30 seconds, then pour the cocktail into a martini glass and garnish with a thin strip of orange zest.
Cocktail "Margarita" with tequila and Cointreau
"Margarita" is a classic that will never lose its relevance. Relive tried and tested flavors with this smoothie.
If you love citrus flavored spirits, be sure to add Cointreau to your collection. It can be recognized by its rich orange color and orange aroma. Like other liqueurs, the drink has a sweet taste, which is why it is ideal for adding to cocktails - for example, Margarita and White Lady. If you purchased a bottle orange liqueur, be sure to read the rules for drinking this magical drink.
It was developed back in 1875 by Edouard Cointreau. His family owned a factory for the production of spirits based on fruits grown in the local regions. Despite the fact that information about the composition is kept secret, the main component of the liqueur is orange peels bitter and sweet varieties. As for the strength, the drink contains 40 degrees of alcohol.
The good news is that today the recipe for this original drink hasn't changed. Its taste is no different from Cointreau, released at the beginning of production. Liquor is popular all over the world, and especially in Europe.
How and with what to drink Cointreau liqueur? It can be served both in pure form and in cocktails. It is also used for impregnation of pastries, preparation of confectionery fillings, sauces, ice cream.
Unlike other types of liqueurs, Cointreau contains much less sugar, which is why it can be drunk in its pure form. To reduce bitterness, we recommend adding a couple of ice cubes. But still, most people prefer to add it to cocktails.
Check out our article How to Drink Baileys Liquor Properly
If you are going to drink the drink in its pure form, be sure to refrigerate it. As for dishes, ordinary small glasses will do. You can use Cointreau even before meals, as it improves and stimulates the digestive process.
Cointreau Cocktails: Recipes
"Margarita" - one of the most popular drinks, which contains orange liqueur. To prepare it, you need to mix 30 ml of tequila, 10 ml of orange liqueur and 25 ml of lemon or lime juice. Serve in a glass garnished with a lemon wedge and salt around the rim.
"Barbarella": mix 50 ml of orange liqueur and 25 ml of Sambuca, add crushed ice.
"Blue skies": mix 35 ml Cointreau, crushed ice, 35 ml curacao liqueur. Pour mineral water with gas in the right amount, garnish with a slice of lemon.
"Purple Devil": mix 25 ml of Triple Sec liqueur, 25 ml of orange liqueur, the same amount of almond liqueur. Add ice and shake, pour cranberry juice. Add 20-30 ml of soda.
"Safari": mix 25 ml of Cointreau and the same amount of melon-flavored liqueur (Midori). Add 150 ml orange juice and mix. Pour into a cocktail glass, add 5-6 drops pomegranate juice(one by one). Decorate with tropical fruits.
"Insolence": mix 25 ml of Cointreau and apricot brandy. Add 100 ml grapefruit juice, “50 ml Sprite and 1 tbsp. lime or lemon juice.
Fluffy Dog Cocktail: you will need only two ingredients, 30 ml each - Cointreau and Baileys liqueur. Mix both ingredients with ice.
Shelf life of Cointreau
The taste and properties of the drink are not lost even after time has passed. An unopened container of liquor will keep for several years. If it is stored for too long, you will see the drink begin to thicken and separate. Store in a cool dry place, away from heat.
You can make cocktails with the addition of Cointreau at home. Treat yourself and your friends to the classic "Margarita" or "Fluffy Dog".
Initially, cocktails with Cointreau were purely "male" drinks, which were distinguished by high strength (for example, such as "Side Car" and others). But later it began to be used as part of ladies' drinks.
Cointreau changed its “orientation” in the 30s. Then the recipe for the famous "White Lady" was invented. Later, the equally popular Margarita appeared. The success was finally secured by the Cosmopolitan cocktail, which rapidly gained popularity with Madonna's light feed - in one of the interviews, the singer admitted that she was crazy about this drink.
Of course, over the years, in addition to the above mixes, a lot of other Cointreau cocktails have been invented. However, the most famous recipes will be given below. 
white lady
- Gin 40 ml
- 20 ml
- Lemon 20 g
- Ice cubes 200 g
All ingredients are shaken in a shaker. Then pour the drink into a chilled glass - the cocktail is ready!
margarita
- 15 ml Cointreau;
- 30 ml of tequila;
- 5 ml lime juice;
Beat all the ingredients, strain, put a ring of lemon on the wall of a glass glazed with salt. 
cosmopolitan
- Vodka 40 ml
- Cointreau 20 ml
- Cranberry juice 30 ml
- Lime 35 g
- Orange 5 g
- Ice cubes 200 g
Pour the ingredients into a shaker and squeeze out half a lime. Shake and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish the cocktail with orange zest.
red bubbles
- 40 ml Cointreau;
- 50 ml of red grape juice;
- ice, tonic
Pour liqueur and juice into a tall glass with ice, add tonic.
Lady Killer
- 10 ml Cointreau;
- 30 ml of mango and pineapple juice;
- 20 ml of gin;
- half a peach and a banana;
- a quarter of a mango.
Blend all ingredients in a blender and serve with strawberries. Despite the formidable name, the drink has a particularly mild taste.
We also offer an author's recipe from one of the capital's bartenders.
