What is it?

A clear liqueur made from neutral alcohol, bitter and sweet orange peels, water and sugar, Cointreau can be considered a stronger form of Triple Sec. It has a higher alcohol content (40%), it is clear and it is also less sweet than the latter. Cointreau is most frequently used in desserts and matches well with chocolate, vanilla, orange (obviously) and cranberries. It is a good addition to chocolate mousse, pot de crème, or crème anglaise. Some of the world’s best known cocktails, such as the Cosmopolitan and Margaritas, also include the liqueur, but it can also be consumed as an aperitif or digestif.

Don’t have it?

In baked goods, Triple Sec can be used in the place of Cointreau. Because Cointreau has a neutral alcohol base, Grand Marnier would not work as well because it is a brandy based liqueur, and it would change the flavor profile of the dish.

How to store:

Cointreau can be kept tightly closed at room temperature for up to three years.

Cross Reference

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