Cointreau is a French triple sec — a clear, orange-flavored liqueur — and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made near Angers, France from a blend of sweet and bitter orange peels, it is one of the most recognized orange liqueurs in the world. We list it as a refined after-dinner sip and an essential building block behind the bar, equally lovely neat or in a classic cocktail.
About the Producer
The Cointreau distillery was founded in 1849 by the brothers Adolphe and Edouard-Jean Cointreau, confectioners in Angers. In 1875 Edouard Cointreau perfected a crystal-clear orange liqueur, and the Cointreau name was registered for triple sec in 1885. Production later moved to Saint-Barthelemy-d’Anjou on the outskirts of Angers, where the liqueur is still made today, more than a century and a half after its creation.
Style & Production
Cointreau is a triple sec, made by macerating and distilling the peels of sweet and bitter oranges in alcohol, then blending the resulting orange essence with sugar and water. The careful balance of sweet and bitter peel gives it a clean, true orange character without heaviness. It is clear in the glass and bottled at 40% alcohol (80 proof), drier and more aromatic than many sweeter orange liqueurs.
Tasting Notes
The aroma is vivid and fresh — bright sweet orange lifted by a zesty bitter-peel edge. The palate is clean and crisp, with candied citrus, a touch of sweetness, and a warming spirit underneath. The finish is dry and fragrant, leaving a lingering note of orange zest rather than syrup.
What to Pair It With
Its bright citrus is a graceful companion to dessert. Serve it with Flourless Chocolate Cake, alongside Mama’s Tiramisu, or with a scoop of Gelato/Sorbet. See the full dine-in menu for more pairings.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Cointreau is poured at $12, served neat, over ice, or in a cocktail.
FAQ
Where is it from?
Cointreau is made near Angers, France, in Saint-Barthelemy-d’Anjou, where the Cointreau family has produced it since the 19th century.
What does it taste like?
Bright, fresh sweet orange with a zesty bitter-peel edge, a clean and crisp palate, and a dry, fragrant finish of orange zest.
What makes it distinctive?
It is a triple sec balancing sweet and bitter orange peels, clear and dry at 40% alcohol, prized both as a sipper and as a cocktail essential.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
