The ever-popular Cosmopolitan co*cktail is a delicious and relatively easy co*cktail to make at home. It’s usually made with Cointreau or generic triple sec (we definitely recommend Cointreau, if we’re being honest). But what if you only have Grand Marnier in your pantry?
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COINTREAU VS GRAND MARNIER
Is Grand Marnier the same as Cointreau? Well, no, not exactly. They are both orange liqueurs (typically referred to as triple sec), but they are a little different in style. Grand Marnier is aged from cognac and therefore considered a curaçao style triple sec, while Cointreau is unaged and made from a neutral spirit.
Because of this production difference, Grand Marnier is heavier and a bit sweeter. So can you still use it in your Cosmo recipe? Sure! We just have to make a little adjustment so you still have a balanced co*cktail in the end.
Copyright A Bar Above
GRAND MARNIER COSMO RECIPE
So, this one obviously isn’t for the Cosmopolitan co*cktail purist. We’re not messing with it too much, but it’s not quite the classic co*cktail, either.
The Grand Marnier is pretty fun in this recipe, actually– it’s sweetness plays with the tart flavor cranberry juice in this delicious co*cktail. Try serving it this way at your next co*cktail hour or dinner party and see what your guests think.
Let’s look at the original recipe so we can compare, shall we?
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Cranberry Juice
Photo by Nikita-Tikhomirov via www.unsplash.com
This recipe changes with the addition of Grand Marnier in a couple of ways, according to Rob Harrah, our A Bar Above bartender:
- First, Grand Marnier brings a little more weight and ABV than Cointreau does to the co*cktail, which is why I dropped it from your traditional ¾ oz to ½ oz. I didn’t have to adjust much else because this co*cktail already has a fair amount of brightness and acidity to help offset the Grand Marnier.
- The overall mouthfeel and texture of this co*cktail will change a bit because of the weight and sweetness of the Grand Marnier; however, it won’t overwhelm the co*cktail much at all — It actually brings a bit more balance and depth.
OK, now let’s make a Cosmo with Grand Marnier and see what you think– Let us know in the comments how you like this version!
Cosmopolitan with Grand Marnier
A little twist on an 80s classic! See how to make the Cosmopolitan co*cktail with Grand Marnier instead of Cointreau.
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Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Absolut Citron Vodka (see instructions below)
- 0.5 oz Grand Marnier
- 0.75 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Cranberry Juice
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a co*cktail shaker with ice.
Shake well.
Strain into a coupe or co*cktail glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel, orange peel, or even lemon twist.
FAQs
Although Grand Marnier is usually more expensive than triple sec, you can certainly use it in any recipe that calls for triple sec or orange liqueur (just expect a deeper, more complex flavor profile in the finished product).
What do you mix with Grand Marnier? ›
Grand Marnier plays well with a variety of ingredients because of its richness and flavor—brown spirits, fresh fruits, coconut anything, sparkling wine." Salt and savory herbs are a refreshing contrast to the luscious citrus, and it marries well with the sweetness of an aged rum.
What is a Cosmopolitan drink made of? ›
vodka, 1 oz. cranberry juice co*cktail, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, and ¾ oz. triple sec in a co*cktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds.
What is the proper way to drink Grand Marnier? ›
Pour about 1 oz into a tulip-shaped glass or snifter to concentrate the flavors and sip slowly, letting it rest on your tongue to savor the delicate blend of cognac and bitter orange liqueur. Grand Marnier Centenaire: With a more complex blend of cognacs, it's best served slightly chilled with a large ice cube.
Which is better, Cointreau or Grand Marnier? ›
If you appreciate a more complex palate, Grand Marnier is the best option. For a lighter drink, go with Cointreau. For those who are always looking to save a buck, Cointreau is less expensive. Either way, you will have a great orange liqueur that will help you mix up some delicious drinks and treat your guests.
Does triple sec and Grand Marnier taste the same? ›
Triple sec is a clear, less expensive option with a strong orange flavor, commonly used in co*cktails. On the other hand, Grand Marnier is a premium blend of cognac and orange essence, offering a more complex and sophisticated taste.
Why do bartenders drink Grand Marnier? ›
Because Grand Marnier comes in a dark bottle, Schmuecker says, you can never really tell how much is left. Thus, it became popular among bartenders because it was a bottle their bosses could never really monitor all that closely. (“It was a great way to kinda hide what you're drinking,” adds Bernadyn.)
Is Grand Marnier a top shelf liquor? ›
Grand Marnier Produces Luxurious, Top Shelf Liqueurs.
Should Grand Marnier be refrigerated? ›
Does Grand Marnier need to be refrigerated? No. But feel free to chill it if you that's what you prefer.
What kind of person drinks Cosmopolitan? ›
The Cosmopolitan - The Socialite
It immediately became symbolic of a feminine power play. The strong, yet fruity concoction is perfect for the person who makes brunching a lifestyle instead of an event. Cosmo drinkers don't mess with beer or house wines.
Concocted by Mariena Mercer, lead mixologist at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, the Verbena co*cktail is a lemon verbena and ginger infused margarita garnished with a Sichuan flower. Order the drink, and your bartender will instruct you to eat the flower first.
How to order a cosmo at the bar? ›
4. Cosmopolitan. A popular co*cktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, often served in a martini glass. Simply ask for a Cosmo when ordering.
Does Grand Marnier get you drunk? ›
Grand Marnier
Bottled at 40 percent ABV like Cointreau, this French beauty is just as alcoholic as a glass of straight Cognac.
Can Grand Marnier be drank straight? ›
Yes, Grand Marnier can be enjoyed straight.
Do you drink Grand Marnier with ice or without ice? ›
Pour 1 shot of Grand Marnier into a snifter.
Serve neat, with no ice, to appreciate the complex flavors. Swirl the liqueur in the glass and take small sips to savor the taste. Add one cube of ice if you prefer your liqueur chilled.
What alcohol is the same as triple sec? ›
Orange Liqueur, Triple Sec, and Curaçao can be used interchangeably as labeling terms. Orange Liqueur is the general category for orange flavor distilled spirit that contains sugar. Triple Sec is simply the generic term for orange-flavored liqueurs.
Can you drink Grand Marnier straight? ›
Yes, Grand Marnier is delicious over ice.
