7 Simple Grand Marnier Cocktails That Drip Sophistication

While it is usually found in top-shelf margaritas, Grand Marnier is a decadent addition to many cocktail recipes. The brand's most well-known product, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, is made with a combination of Cognac brandy, the essence of bitter orange, and sugar while the other liqueurs in the line are served neat usually as a cordial after dinner.

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Grand Marnier is a decadent addition to many cocktail recipes, including these simple 4-ingredient cocktails that are full of body and depth of flavor.

1. Cadillac Margarita

Top-shelf tequila (something like Casamigos Blanco Tequila works perfectly), Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Cointreau, and fresh-squeezed lime juice are all you need for this decadent margarita. Smooth and fruity, this marvelous cocktail is best served chilled with the Grand Marnier floating on top. Before adding your liquor, make sure to salt the rim with kosher or flaky sea salt.

• 1 ½ ounces top-shelf tequila reposado
• 1 ounce Cointreau
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce Grand Marnier
• Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for the rim

1. Salt the rim by running a cut lime wedge over the rim and dipping into a plate of salt.
2. In a mixing glass filled with ice combine the tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. Stir until chilled.
3. Strain into the glass and pour the Grand Marnier over an inverted spoon to float the liqueur on the drink.

2. Sidecar

This three-ingredient classic cocktail is made with cognac, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, and lemon juice. Refreshing and balanced, serve it in a coupe glass with a lemon garnish.

• 1 ½ ounces Grand Marnier
• ½  ounce Cognac
• ½  ounce fresh lemon juice

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a prepared coupe glass and serve.

3. Grand Marnier and Prosecco

Mix Grand Marnier with Prosecco and fresh lemon juice and you'll soon be sipping on an effervescent citrusy cocktail with style. Add an orange twist and it's a grand cocktail that takes only minutes to make.

• 4 ounces Prosecco
• 1 ounce Grand Marnier
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Orange twist

1. Pour the Grand Marnier and lemon juice into a champagne glass and combine. Pour in the Prosecco and garnish with an orange twist.

4. Old Fashioned

The addition of Grand Marnier adds citrus and bitter notes to traditional the Old Fashioned. We like to use Blanton's Bourbon Whiskey in this particular cocktail

• 1 ounce Grand Marnier
• 1 ounce Bourbon Whiskey
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters 

1. Add all three ingredients to an old fashioned glass and combine. Add one large ice cube and garnish with an orange twist

5. Beautiful

This 2-ingredient cocktail is the furthest thing from basic. Cognac and Grand Marnier pair together effortlessly in this sophisticated cocktail. Break out the best Cognac for this one, and add a cigar for good measure. 

• 1 1/2  ounces Grand Marnier
• 1 ½ ounces Brands

1. Combine both ingredients in a snuffer and stir to combine. Serve neat.

6. B 52 Cocktail

Named after the band, the B-52 cocktail was created by Peter Fich, a head bartender at the Banff Springs Hotel. Although this can be served as a cocktail, it is much more commonly served in a shot glass. To make it into a cocktail, double the amounts and stir before sipping. 

• ½ ounce Kahlua
• ½ ounce Irish cream 
• ½  ounce Grand Marnier

1. Add the Kahlua to the shot glass and slowly layer the Irish cream by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Repeat with the Grand Marnier. 

7. Grand Mariner Strawberry Lemonade

Nothing says, "Summer" more than strawberry lemonade. This jazzed-up version adds the orange liqueur for a citrusy kick.

• 4 ounces lemonade
• 1 ounce Grand Marnier
• Chopped strawberries
• 1 tsp sugar

1. In a glass, muddle the strawberries and sugar. Add the lemonade and Grand Mariner. Top with ice and serve.

READ MORE: 20 Best Big Batch Cocktails for Backyard BBQs and Lazy Sundays

This article was originally published on March 25, 2021.