TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Orange Liqueur Types in the World
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).
Blue Curaçao is a type of Curaçao liqueur—naturally colorless liqueur that is flavored with Laraha oranges. This variety is artificially colored to attain its distinctive, vibrant blue color. This clear drink has a typical orange flavor, though the final taste profile may vary depending on the producer.
There are several manufactures on the market, but they are not necessarily located on Curaçao, and some even do not use Laraha oranges. Blue Curaçao is mostly used as a flavoring and coloring agent in cocktails.
Curaçao is a popular liqueur flavored with Laraha (Curaçao orange), which is cultivated on the namesake island in the southern Caribbean Sea. The story of its invention started in the 16th century when the Spanish colonizers brought Valencian oranges to Curaçao.
The fruit did not adapt well to the local climate, and it was almost inedible. It took decades for the locals to realize that the dried peel is rich with essential oils and incredibly aromatic. The peel was then used in the production of liqueurs, and though it is not certain, many believe that the commercial production was started in 1896 by the Senior family.
VARIATIONS OF Curaçao
Invented by an American Melville Sewell Bagley, this orange-based aperitif was created in Buenos Aires, and it was initially launched in 1864. Hesperidina is characterized by its aromas of fresh oranges and herbs, while its flavor is reminiscent of bitter oranges.
Although it can be enjoyed on its own, the drink is often mixed with tonic water and can also be used as a cocktail ingredient. Interestingly, Hesperidina was the first protected trademark in Argentina.
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.
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