3 Classy Cocktails to Show Off Your Grand Marnier

Orange liqueur is a staple of mixology; there are any number of classic (or modern) cocktails you just can't make without it. But not all orange liqueurs are created equal. Sure, there are $9 Triple Sec bottles out there, if you like cocktails that taste like bad orange candy and disappointment.

So today, let's talk about a bottle near the top of the orange liqueur heap: Grand Marnier. Made from a base of cognac, it's complex, orangey, a little robust like an aged spirit, 80-proof and not too sweet. You can taste the brandy in it for sure.

Grand Marnier is great as a stand-alone drink, but when it comes to cocktails, be aware that it's not always a straight substitute for other orange liqueurs. Below, we give you three recipes optimized for Grand Marnier; try them next time you're feeling super classy.

Easy: Marnier and Bubbles

This will transform your mimosa game from mediocre to perfection: orangey Grand Marnier topped off with bubbles. Rather than a Cava or Prosecco, go for something French here. It doesn't have to be Champagne (unless your brunch budget is way bigger than ours), but another French sparkling, like a good Cremant de Limoux, will do the trick.

Instructions: In a Champagne flute, combine 1 ounce of Grand Marnier and 4 of a high-quality sparkling wine. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Intermediate: Grand Marnier-Ita

"Cadillac Margarita" is the name for a traditional Margarita with Grand Marnier floated on top — but we're cutting out the middleman and using it right in the drink. Use a high-quality tequila for this guy and you'll be rewarded with a balanced, punchy Margarita that's as refreshing as they come.

Instructions: In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 ounces of tequila (we're using Roca Patrón Silver), 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 1 ounce of Grand Marnier. Shake that all up, strain it into a cocktail glass with fresh ice and garnish with a few lime wheels.

Advanced: Cadillac Sidecar

Cognac, lemon, and orange liqueur — perhaps one of our favorite classics. And since Grand Marnier is made from cognac, it seems only logical enough to try out a GM Sidecar. We found that using our traditional Sidecar recipe (2 Cognac: 1 lemon: 1 orange liqueur) resulted in a cocktail that was a little too Cognac-y; a quarter-ounce of simple syrup restored the balance. Warning: Although this cocktail seems light and refreshing, there are three full ounces of 80-proof booze in here, so sip slowly.

Instructions: In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 ounces of Cognac (for cocktails, we're fans of H by Hine), 1 ounce of Grand Marnier, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 ounce of simple syrup. Shake all that up hard and strain it into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon peel, twisting it on top of the drink to spray its citrus oils over the surface.