Grand Marnier is a French orange liqueur built on cognac — a rich blend of bitter-orange essence and fine brandy — and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Created in the Cognac region of France, its Cordon Rouge expression is among the most celebrated orange liqueurs in the world. We list it as a refined after-dinner pour and a classic behind the bar, lovely neat or in a cocktail by candlelight.
About the Producer
The house traces its roots to a distillery built in 1827 by Jean-Baptiste Lapostolle. In 1880, Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle created Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge by marrying cognac with the essence of bitter orange — a bold choice at a time when most orange liqueurs relied on neutral spirit. Today Cordon Rouge is blended and aged at the Chateau de Bourg-Charente, a centuries-old castle in the heart of the Cognac region.
Style & Production
Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge is made from a blend of cognac, the distilled essence of bitter orange, and sugar. The bitter oranges (Citrus bigaradia) are picked while still green to capture the strongest aromatic essence in the peel, which is then macerated in alcohol. The cognacs are drawn from across the region’s growing areas and the blend is aged in oak. It is bottled at 40% alcohol, fuller and warmer than a clear triple sec thanks to its brandy base.
Tasting Notes
The aroma is deep and elegant — candied bitter orange over warm cognac, with hints of vanilla and oak. The palate is rich and rounded, with orange peel, toffee, and a brandied warmth running underneath. The finish is long and smooth, the orange and oak lingering gracefully.
What to Pair It With
Its cognac warmth and orange depth are made for dessert. Serve it alongside Flourless Chocolate Cake, with Mama’s Tiramisu, or beside a Charcuterie Board. See the full dine-in menu for more pairings.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Grand Marnier is poured at $12, served neat, over ice, or in a cocktail.
FAQ
Where is it from?
Grand Marnier is made in the Cognac region of France, where Cordon Rouge is blended and aged at the Chateau de Bourg-Charente.
What does it taste like?
Candied bitter orange over warm cognac with hints of vanilla and oak, a rich, rounded palate of orange peel and toffee, and a long, smooth finish.
What makes it distinctive?
Unlike a clear triple sec, Grand Marnier is built on a cognac base married with bitter-orange essence, giving it a fuller, warmer, brandied character.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
