TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Orange Liqueur Types
Created in 1880 by Louis Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge (lit. red ribbon) is a sophisticated blend of cognacs infused with the distilled essence of bitter oranges. In addition to Lapostolle's secret touch, the liqueur gets its incomparable roundness by slow aging in French oak casks.
It can be enjoyed neat, used in mixed drinks, or even added to desserts. In France, Grand Marnier is one of the essential ingredients of the famous crêpes Suzette. Apart from the original Grand Marnier, there's also the Cordon Jaune version (lit. yellow ribbon) which is made with a base of neutral grain spirits.
This classic triple sec was created by the Cointreau brothers, who managed to distill sweet and bitter orange peels to create a slightly sweet, fresh liqueur with incredibly concentrated flavor. The brand was first registered as triple sec in 1885, and since then it has remained one of the best-selling, premium options. Cointreau is mainly used as the essential ingredient in various cocktails such as the classics Sidecar, Margarita, or Cosmopolitan.
Hailing from Padua, this Italian liqueur was invented in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers. It has been produced following the original secret infusion that combines bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, herbs, and alcohol. It is characterized by its combination of bitter, fruity, and floral flavors and a low alcohol content of only 11% ABV. Aperol was initially invented as an apéritif, preferably served over ice, but it also pairs incredibly well with citrus or fruit juices, and soda.
The most popular combination is undoubtedly Aperol Spritz—the fashionable, light apéritif that combines Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water.
Triple sec is a French term for clear, orange-flavored liqueurs. They are traditionally distilled from a macerate of dried orange peels and a neutral spirit. The origin of triple sec is undoubtedly French, though it is disputed who was the first to use and market the term, as well as the true meaning of the name triple sec, which translates as triple dry.
Combier distillery from Saumur claims that their triple sec is the earliest version, first made in 1834, though some name Cointreau as the original producer. Regardless, the two companies are still the biggest competitors and the most important triple sec brands.
VARIATIONS OF Triple Sec
Picon is a bittersweet orange-flavored French liqueur, officially classified as a bitter, which is commonly paired with beer. It was created in 1932 by Gaétan Picon, who was an apprentice at a distillery before he was stationed in Algeria.
Like many other French soldiers, he was exposed to malaria, and soon after he invented Picon—a combination of neutral alcohol, caramel, and various herbs and spices such as orange zest, gentian root, and cinchona bark (known to yield quinine which was an effective treatment against malaria).
Amaranca is an award-winning orange-flavored amaro from Sicily that was inspired by an old family recipe. This artisanal liqueur is flavored with Sicilian wild orange (Citrus aurantium) and a herbal infusion made with various herbs and roots collected on the slopes of Mount Etna.
Amaranca is a citrusy liqueur with subtle bitterness. The flavor and aroma are herbal and fruity. Amaranca is best served as an aperitif or a digestif. It can be enjoyed neat (preferably well chilled) or on the rocks and should be garnished with orange zest or fresh mint.
Fatourada is an orange-flavored liqueur from the Greek island Kythira. It is made with a strong pomace spirit (tsipouro), spices, and a citrusy infusion attained from local citrus fruit. The liqueur has an ancient tradition on the island, dating back to the 14th century when it was usually made by wealthy local families.
Fatourada is a subtly bitter aromatic liqueur with citrusy, dried fruit, and spicy flavors. It is best to enjoy it as an aperitif or a digestif, served neat or on the rocks, but it could also make a good cocktail ingredient. Fatourada is commonly served with local desserts.
Oranjebitter is an orange-flavored liqueur that hails from the Netherlands. It first appeared in the 17th century, but it was not popularized until 1814 and the coronation of William I. The original was made with sugar, but later versions were less sweet and more bitter—hence the name.
Nowadays, its bitter character is toned down with some sweetness. Oranjebitter has a distinctive orange color and orange flavor and aroma, usually with a hint of spice. It is now primarily associated with King’s Day, the annual holiday celebrated on April 27, and any festivities celebrating the Dutch monarchy.
Gran Gala is a rich orange-flavored liqueur made with a brandy base. The drink has Italian origins—it was initially created in Trieste—but it is now imported and bottled by Sazerac. This velvety smooth liqueur blends the finest Italian VSOP brandy and fresh orange infusion.
It is an amber-colored, full-bodied liqueur with an aroma reminiscent of fresh oranges, orange zest, and candied oranges. The finish is long and warming, with hints of caramel, vanilla, cocoa, and spices. This aromatic liqueur can be served neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
Aurum is a brandy-based, orange-flavored liqueur that hails from Pescara. It is made with aged brandy and an orange infusion, while the distinctive orange color is also attained with the addition of saffron. The liqueur is aged before it is bottled.
Aurum is sweet and smooth, with a flavor and aroma dominated by orange notes. It was first created in 1925, and its name stems from Latin—aurum stands for gold, while aurantium translates as orange. Aurum is best served on the rocks, but it is also a great addition to desserts and ice cream.
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