If you have a prized bottle of Cointreau collecting dust, it’s time to break it out and shake things up. Orange liqueurs like Cointreau are incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide range of flavors.
From the sophisticated French 75 to the fruity Watermelon Margarita, there are countless cocktails waiting to be discovered. To help you unlock the full potential of your Cointreau, we’ve curated a list of 17 exceptional cocktails that showcase its unique character.
Kiss The Ring
A nod to the iconic film The Godfather, Kiss The Ring reimagines the classic French 75 cocktail by substituting lemon juice with the bold flavor of blood oranges. This subtle variation yields a tantalizing concoction that may leave you questioning why it took you so long to try it. To craft this mouthwatering drink, combine Cointreau, gin, and freshly squeezed blood orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Double strain the mixture into a flute, then top it off with Prosecco and finish it with a twist of blood orange. The result is a refreshing and sophisticated sipper that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Rosebud
The iconic cocktail, Rosebud, draws inspiration from Orson Welles’ 1941 masterpiece, Citizen Kane. While crafting this sophisticated drink, you’ll need a few more ingredients to elevate its complexity. Begin by combining mint leaves, cucumber slices, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Next, add vodka, freshly squeezed lime juice, Cointreau, Angostura bitters, rosewater, and a pinch of sea salt. Shake the mixture well to combine, then double-strain it into a chilled glass.
Finally, garnish with a dried rosebud, adding a touch of elegance to this already-refined cocktail.
R.B. Ginger
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy extends far beyond her impressive legal career, but one notable achievement is the eponymous cocktail bearing her name: The R. B. Ginger. This variation on the classic Dark & Stormy combines ginger slices with simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice and a splash of Cointreau, rum, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Shake vigorously to combine, then strain over fresh ice.
Top it off with ginger beer and garnish with a piece of candied ginger for added flair.
Kahlua Cointreau French Coffee
As you host your dinner party, why not surprise your guests with an unforgettable after-dinner treat? One such delight is the Kahlua Cointreau French Coffee. Start by brewing a pot of freshly pressed coffee, then combine it with Kahlúa and Cointreau for a rich and decadent flavor profile. To take it to the next level, top each cup off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder as a garnish.
The perfect way to round out an evening filled with good company and great conversation.
Apple Suicider
To indulge in the Apple Suicider, start by preparing your glass for a sweet and crunchy rim. Dip the edge into water, then coat it evenly with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Next, fill the glass with ice cubes to keep things frosty. Now it’s time to combine the essential ingredients: bourbon whiskey, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lime juice, and apple cider. Stir the concoction thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated.
Finally, garnish your masterpiece with a few slices of crisp apple for added visual appeal.
Escape From Alcatraz
While the name ‘Escape From Alcatraz’ may evoke a sense of daring escape, this cocktail is actually a delicious and complex blend of flavors. Its origins can be traced back to Chicago, where it’s rumored to have been inspired by the infamous tales of Al Capone’s time behind bars.
To craft this drink, start by muddling together grated ginger, orange slices, and lemon juice.
Add in your Cointreau and rye whiskey, then shake vigorously with ice before double-straining the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice. Finish it off with another orange slice garnish.
The Sidecar
Experience the effortless creation of a Sidecar cocktail by selecting a premium brandy, such as VSOP cognac or Armagnac, to elevate its flavor profile. While you’re at it, prepare your glassware by running a lemon wedge around the rim and coating it with superfine sugar. This step not only adds a touch of elegance but also helps balance the sweetness of the drink. To craft this classic cocktail, combine Cointreau, brandy, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in an ice-filled shaker.
Shake well to combine, then strain into the prepared glass and finish with a twist of orange peel for a stylish garnish.
The Margarita
As the sun shines bright, there’s nothing like sipping on a refreshing Margarita. And when it comes to this classic cocktail, using Cointreau is an excellent choice. However, don’t just settle for any tequila – opt for a high-quality one to truly experience the harmonious balance of sweet and sour flavors. To start, prepare your glasses by running a lime wedge along the rim, then dipping into salt. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and combine Cointreau, tequila, and lime juice.
Vodka Sidecar
The Vodka Sidecar, also known as a Lemon Drop Martini, is an innovative take on the classic Sidecar cocktail. This refreshing variant still relies on lemon and alcohol, but with a subtle twist. To create a visually appealing presentation, start by preparing a sugar rim for your coupe glass. Wet the rim of the glass with water, then roll it in superfine sugar to achieve a sweet and sticky coating.
Next, combine vodka, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake the mixture until well-chilled, then strain it into the prepared glass and garnish with a twist of lemon peel for added aroma and flavor.
Cadillac Margarita
To elevate the classic Margarita experience, you can incorporate Cointreau in a unique twist. For this Cadillac Margarita variation, start by creating a salt rim on the glass. Use a lime wedge and some salt to cover the exterior of the glass. Next, combine tequila reposado with Cointreau, along with freshly squeezed lime juice, in a shaker filled with ice. Once the mixture has chilled sufficiently, strain it into your prepared glass.
To add an extra layer of sophistication, carefully float Grand Marnier on top using an inverted spoon.
Watermelon Margarita
Taking the classic margarita to new heights is the Watermelon Margarita, a refreshing twist that’s sure to quench your thirst. Start by dicing a mini watermelon and setting aside a few balls for garnish later. Blend the rest until smooth, then strain the purée through a sieve to remove any excess pulp. Next, combine the watermelon puree with Cointreau, tequila, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a shaker filled with ice.
Once chilled, create a rim on a martini glass by running a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into a shallow dish of salt. Pour the cocktail into the prepared glass and top it off with a melon ball for a pop of color and a touch of whimsy.
Orange Pomegranate Cocktail
In this Orange Pomegranate Cocktail, Cointreau finds its perfect match not only in the bold flavor of orange, but also in the sweetness of Prosecco. Building upon the classic Mimosa recipe, simply combine freshly squeezed orange and pomegranate juices with a splash of Cointreau in a flute. The base is then elevated by pouring in a glass of sparkling wine – whether that’s Champagne or Prosecco – and giving it a quick stir before garnishing with thin slices of orange.
The result is a rich, indulgent cocktail that may just become your new favorite, especially if you’re a fan of pomegranates.
Pegu Club
The Pegu Club’s origins date back to the 1920s in Myanmar, then known as Burma. This sophisticated cocktail requires two types of bitters: orange and original. To craft it, start by adding a couple of handfuls of ice to a cocktail shaker. Next, add gin, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lime juice, and both types of bitters. Shake the mixture until it reaches a cold temperature. Strain the Pegu Club into a cocktail glass, then garnish with a lime wedge for a refreshing finish.
Mimosa
When crafting the perfect Mimosa, consider giving it an extra boost by incorporating Cointreau. For a truly exceptional brunch drink, start with freshly squeezed orange juice and avoid using concentrate. Maintain the traditional 2:1 ratio in favor of your sparkling wine. Begin by pouring in the sparkling wine, followed by a generous pour of orange juice, and finish with a dash of Cointreau. To add a touch of elegance, garnish with a slice of orange for a visually appealing drink.
White Lady
Savoring the elegance of the 1920s, you can craft a timeless White Lady cocktail by combining gin, Cointreau, and three other essential ingredients. The disputed origins of this classic drink only add to its mystique, with some tracing its roots back to Harry’s New York Bar in Paris or London’s iconic Savoy Hotel. To create this frothy delight, start by shaking a mixture of gin, Cointreau, egg white, and lemon juice without ice to achieve the signature foam from the egg white.
Next, add ice and shake vigorously before carefully straining the concoction into a martini glass and finishing it off with a delicate lemon twist garnish.
Cointreau Fizz
Imagine sipping on a refreshing Cointreau Fizz that embodies the carefree spirit of the Roaring Twenties, yet it was born in 2012. Despite its relatively modern origins, this drink still exudes timeless charm. To transport yourself to that bygone era, combine equal parts Cointreau and freshly squeezed lime juice with ice in a chilled serving glass. Stir well to harmonize the flavors before adding a splash of sparkling water.
Complete your experience with a garnish featuring a dried orange wheel and a wedge of lime, evoking the nostalgia of a bygone era.
French 75
The French 75’s origins are widely attributed to Paris’s New York Bar, which later became Harry’s New York Bar. This refined cocktail has been a staple since 1915, when it was first crafted to pair the sharpness of lemon with the subtle sweetness of Cointreau. To recreate this classic, combine two parts gin with one part Cointreau, then add simple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add ice, shake well, and strain into a flute glass, garnishing with a twist of lemon peel for added elegance.
Final Thoughts
Cointreau, despite its vintage appearance reminiscent of ancient apothecaries, is an incredibly versatile liqueur that’s essential in many iconic cocktails. Its unique character makes it stand out from other triple secs on the market. In fact, Cointreau is the go-to choice for crafting Cosmopolitans, Sidecars, and Margaritas – just to name a few. This liqueur is so multifaceted that you may find yourself wondering how you managed without it readily available.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.