Nothing quite says the seasonal spirit of Christmas quite like Grand Marnier (or Moet for that matter). The best orange liqueur on the market makes a difference in a variety of cocktails.
Photo Credit, Dawn Giarrizzo
The stylish red lacquer bottle is being produced in limited quantities (run of about 150) and will be available for $64.99 at the following retail locations this winter for a limited time only. If you find that it’s now out of stock, just buy the best bottle you can of Grand Marnier. It won’t go to waste, I promise!
LA VIE EN ROUGE
1 ½ oz. Grand Marnier
1 ½ oz. fresh pressed cranberry juice (can substitute with bottled cranberry juice)
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
½ oz. simple syrup
Fresh rosemary needles
In a tall mixing glass, muddle 10-12 rosemary needles lightly with simple syrup. Ad remaining ingredients then add ice and shake vigorously. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
GRAND SANGRIA (RED)
½ cup of Grand Marnier
1 cup seedless red grapes
1 sliced lemon
1 sliced orange
2 apples, red and green, cored and cut into ½ inch wedges
2 cinnamon sticks
1 bottle Casa Merlot
1 tblsp superfine sugar
1 cup of orange juice
Soak the fruit with sugar, Grand Marnier and cinnamon for at least 1 hour. Stir in chilled wine and orange juice.
GRAND MARNIER SPARKLING PUNCH
1 1/3 cups of fresh lemon juice
½ cup superfine sugar
1 cup of Grand Marnier
½ cup fresh orange juice
2 bottles Moet Imperial
Orange or lemon slices
Fresh strawberries
Combine the lemon juice, sugar, Grand Marnier and orange juice in a non-reactive bowl and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Add the champagne and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Pour into a decorative bowl or pitcher. Garnish with orange or lemon slices and fresh strawberries, if desired. Serve in champagne flutes, wine glasses or punch cups.
