Orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or Cointreau)

Description

Orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier, Cointreau) has an intense, pure aroma of orange peel with a distinct sweet-bitter note; Grand Marnier is amber with added brandy and vanilla, while Cointreau is clear and sharper in taste. From a nutritional standpoint, it is an alcoholic product with an alcohol content typically between 30-40% and relatively high calorie content due to alcohol and sugars, providing minimal amounts of vitamins and minerals as well as trace amounts of essential oils and antioxidants from the orange peel; it should be consumed in moderation. In the kitchen, orange liqueur is used in cocktails (margarita, cosmopolitan), desserts (sauces, crème brûlée, tiramisu), flambé, marinades, and glazes for meats, as well as in baked goods, where it enhances the aroma of fruits and adds depth. Store in a tightly sealed bottle, in a cool, dark place; it does not require refrigeration after opening, but over time the aroma may gently change.