Cointreau (75cl, 40%)

A French orange liqueur from Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou in the Loire Valley, bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It is made from a blend of sweet and bitter orange peels. The Cointreau Distillery was founded in 1875 by Édouard Cointreau in Angers. Production begins with a base of 96% neutral sugar beet alcohol, into which both sweet and bitter orange peels are macerated before distillation in traditional copper pot stills. A centrifuge step removes the lightest, most aggressively zesty oils, leaving a balanced orange profile. Only sugar and water are added. Bright orange zest leads the aroma, followed by sweet citrus blossoms, with subtle vanilla and warm spice. The palate is smooth and rich, with intense orange flavour, candied orange peel, marmalade and a gentle touch of honey. The finish is pleasantly long and sweet, with lingering orange flavour and gentle spiciness.