Cointreau, an orange-flavoured triple sec liqueur that is produced in Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, France, is a crucial ingredient in many classic and creative cocktail recipes. It is a liquor cabinet staple that is essential for adding a sweet orange twist to many drinks. Try these recipes for Cointreau drinks for something delightful.
Photos: Ivan Della Nave
One of the world’s favourite and most enduring cocktails, synonymous with Mexico and its stunning coastline. Part of its popularity is based on its simplicity, employing just tequila, Cointreau/triple sec, lime juice, and salt and lime zest for the garnish. Get the recipe.
Pink señorita
An elegant twist on the classic margarita, the pink señorita has a lovely blush colour and is a sweeter, more palatable alternative to the strong sourness of the original. It is made using 100% agave tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, sugar syrup and pink grapefruit juice. Check out the recipe.
Cointreau fizz
This is a very simple cocktail made from Cointreau, soda water and fresh lime juice. Just pour all the ingredients into a glass and stir gently. Add a slice of fresh lime or a twist of orange peel for garnish and you've got a deliciously fresh drink for a summer evening.
Singapore sling
A Singapore sling is a classic recipe for a gin Cointreau cocktail, using cherry liqueur, Cointreau/triple sec, grenadine, DOM Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice and Angostura bitters. The ingredients are poured into a shaker and shaken vigorously, strained and poured. Get recipe tips.
Cointreau spritz
Try this twist on the Italian classic spritz. Replacing the Aperol with Cointreau adds a liveliness that gives something different while retaining the essence of the cocktail. Use dry Prosecco, Cointreau, orange juice and soda water, pour over ice and add a twist of orange for garnish.
Cosmopolitan
The cosmopolitan is one of the most famous cocktails with Cointreau and vodka. It uses just lime, Cointreau, vodka and cranberry juice, shaken and strained in a martini glass or cocktail cup with a slice of lime for garnish. Find everything you need to know when making a Cosmopolitan here.
Cointreau and tonic
A classic cocktail that uses just Cointreau/triple sec, Cognac and lemon juice. The drink is shaken and strained, served in a sugar-rimmed glass with a twist of candied lemon peel for garnish. Our mixologist walks you through the Sidecar cocktail recipe here.
Long Island iced tea
The classic Long Island iced tea includes gin, vodka, white rum, triple sec and tequila, and packs a punch. Not one to drink all night, but occasionally, if you’re having just one, the Long Island can really hit the spot. Learn how to combine all the ingredients for a Long Island iced tea.
Cucumber margarita
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
Try this twist on a margarita with lovely fresh cucumber, lime juice, Cointreau, tequila, Grand Marnier and lime zest. Make it like a margarita and serve it the same way. Perfect as a summer sundowner!
