In the early 20th century, Édouard Cointreau, the visionary behind the iconic Cointreau liqueur, developed a recipe called “Majestic.” This inspired the creation of Cointreau Noir, a sophisticated blend of orange liqueur and cognac that has captivated the palates of connoisseurs worldwide. With its unique combination of citrus freshness and velvety caress, Cointreau Noir has become an exceptional alternative to premium dark spirits, perfect for the finest cocktails and even enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
The Cointreau Noir story began in Angers, France, where the House of Cointreau was established in 1849. The Cointreau family, originally confectioners, decided to expand their business and create a liqueur that would become a timeless classic. The Cointreau Noir recipe combines the expertise and passion of two renowned brands: Cointreau and Rémy Martin Cognac. The result is a rich, complex, and versatile spirit that has won the hearts of many.
Cointreau Noir is a blend of 70% Cointreau and 30% cognac from the House of Rémy Martin. Cointreau, the world-famous triple sec orange liqueur, is a perfect balance of sweet and bitter orange peels, creating a clean, orange perfume flavor. On the other hand, Rémy Martin Cognac is a renowned producer of fine cognac, with a history that dates back to 1724. The combination of these two exceptional spirits gives Cointreau Noir its unique character and depth.
The collaboration between Cointreau and Rémy Martin is a natural one, as both brands are owned by the French spirits group, Rémy Cointreau. The marriage of Cointreau and Rémy Martin’s cognac creates a harmonious blend that has been meticulously crafted by two experts in their respective fields: Rémy Martin’s Cellar Master, Pierrette Trichet, and Cointreau’s Master Distiller, Bernadette Langlais (1978 – 2016).
Cointreau Noir draws a clear comparison to another well-known cognac-based orange liqueur, Grand Marnier, which was created in 1880 by Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle. Both Cointreau Noir and Grand Marnier are the result of a marriage between orange liqueur and cognac, but the specific blend of cognac in Cointreau Noir remains a proprietary secret.
The unique combination of Cointreau and cognac in Cointreau Noir results in a rich, smooth, and complex flavor profile. With sophisticated aromas of vanilla, honey, nut, almond, gingerbread, and a touch of spice, the spirit offers a particularly smooth and mellow finish. The depth and complexity of Cointreau Noir make it a perfect choice for cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Cointreau Noir has an alcohol content of 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is slightly higher than the standard Cointreau, which has an alcohol content of 35% ABV. This elevated alcohol content is due to the addition of Rémy Martin Cognac, which brings its own rich and robust characteristics to the blend, further enhancing the overall experience of this remarkable spirit.
Cointreau Noir is a captivating blend of Cointreau’s signature orange liqueur and Rémy Martin’s world-renowned cognac. The result is a unique and sophisticated spirit that is perfect for the most discerning palates.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a fine cocktail, Cointreau Noir is a testament to the craftsmanship and passion of its creators.