Cointreau: The Original Crystal-Clear Orange Liqueur

Cointreau was created in 1875 by Édouard Cointreau in Angers, France. The story began with the Cointreau family's confectionery shop, established in 1849, where they first experimented with fruit liqueurs.

Édouard's innovation lay in developing a unique method to distill sweet and Bitter Orange peels to create a crystal-clear liqueur, distinct from the colored curaçaos popular at the time. The signature square bottle was designed to reflect the purity and balanced nature of the spirit.

The recipe, which remains unchanged, uses a blend of dried Orange peels from various sources, including Haiti, Brazil, and Spain, creating a complex flavor profile through triple distillation.

By the early 1900s, Cointreau had gained international recognition, winning numerous awards at world fairs. The brand pioneered modern advertising with the creation of Pierrot, one of the first advertising icons, designed by Nicolas Tamagno in 1898.

During the Art Nouveau period, Cointreau collaborated with prominent poster artists, establishing itself as a luxury brand while maintaining its artisanal production methods.

Cointreau's influence on global cocktail culture began during the Golden Age of Cocktails in the early 20th century. The liqueur became an essential ingredient in many classic cocktails, particularly during the Prohibition era when its quality and consistency made it valuable for bartenders.

The brand's acquisition by Rémy Martin in 1990 further expanded its global reach, making it one of the most widely distributed premium liqueurs, present in over 200 countries.

Cointreau stands as a key ingredient in many of the world's most celebrated cocktails.

• Margarita

  The original recipe combining Tequila, Cointreau, and fresh Lime Juice

• Sidecar

  A classic blend of Cognac, Cointreau, and Lemon Juice created in Paris

• Cosmopolitan

  The iconic mix of Vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry juice, and Lime

• White Lady

  A sophisticated combination of Gin, Cointreau, and fresh Lemon Juice

Today, Cointreau maintains its position as the world's leading premium Orange liqueur, producing over 13 million bottles annually. The brand has embraced sustainability initiatives, including responsible sourcing of Orange peels and eco-friendly production practices.

The La Maison Cointreau in Angers continues to welcome visitors, showcasing both historical artifacts and modern production methods. Recent innovations include limited edition bottles and collaborations with contemporary artists while maintaining the original recipe's integrity.