Grand Marnier Collection

The brand's best-known product is Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, an orange-flavored liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is made from a blend of Cognac brandy, distilled essence of bitter orange, and sugar, containing 40% alcohol. It is commonly consumed "neat" as a cordial or a digestif, and can be used in mixed drinks and desserts. According to its official website, Grand Marnier's first distillery was built in 1827 by Jean Baptiste Lapostolle in the small city of Neauphle-le-Chateau. His granddaughter Julia married Louis-Alexandre Marnier in 1876 and, four years later, the Marniers released a signature cognac with Haitian bitter orange. Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz reportedly came up with the name "Grand Marnier" for Marnier-Lapostolle, who in return helped him purchase and establish the Hotel Ritz Paris. During the extravagant Belle Époque, Grand Marnier was served in the Ritz Hotel as well as the Savoy Hotel.