TERROIR

The quality of Cointreau liqueur lies, above all, in the quality of its ingredients.

Found in nearly all meridians, the orange has developed different flavors, aromas, and characteristics reflecting the particularities of its terroir. From Brazil to Spain, Ghana to Morocco—Cointreau sources its sweet and bitter orange peels from respected producers before blending them to perfection.

SWEET ORANGE

Sweet orange peels and essences give Cointreau their juicy, fruity orange aromatic notes, as well as some floral notes like orange blossom, rose, and lavender.

The sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) peels and essences used in Cointreau come from the Seville region in Spain, Ghana, Senegal, and Brazil. The major varieties are Cadenera, Salustiana, Pera, Late Valencia, Sweet Mediterranean, Washington, and a local Ghanaian variety.

BITTER ORANGE

Bitter orange peels and essences give Cointreau a layered bouquet: initially fresh like mint or very zesty lime, then spicy bergamot, and finally pepper and cardamom notes.

Bitter orange peels and essences (Citrus aurantium ssp bigaradia), better known as Bigarade oranges today, come from Brazil and Tunisia. This orange’s leaf and flowers are also appreciated by the great “nez” of perfumery.

Macerated Orange

Fresh sweet peels are macerated in a hydro-alcoholic solution for several weeks before their distillation in order to release their best aromas.

THE ORANGE ROUTE

Gathering

From one year to the next, orange peel quality varies based on climate, sun exposure, and soil. Master Distiller Carole Quinton builds close relationships with growers around the world and ensures extremely rigorous standards are implemented. Planting, flowering, pruning, treating, watering, picking, peeling, drying... Orchard management and harvesting are second nature to her. She then carries out an unforgiving selection, keeping only the finest peels and discarding the rest.

Drying

Precise drying conditions are also a critical step. After being pared by hand, the peels are then naturally sun dried for three to five days, depending on the characteristics of the crop and the climate, until they reach a moisture content of 11%.

Assembly

Once the peels have dried, the Master Distiller defines the proportions needed to obtain the perfect aromatic balance, the one created by Édouard Cointreau in 1885 and known only by today’s Master Distiller.

ORANGE HISTORY

In creating his renowned liqueur, Édouard Cointreau developed an absolute expertise in the orange, revealed in all its subtlety. “In the four corners of the world,” according to the expression dear to Édouard Cointreau, the taste and aromatic qualities of the orange peel continue to shine thanks to the authenticity, balance, and richness of Cointreau liqueur.

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savoir-faire

From the orange peels to the blending of ingredients: discover our savoir-faire

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OUR COMMITMENTS

Our a(c)tions, from the orange grove to the tasting glass

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PRODUCTS

Discover Cointreau’s iconic French orange liqueurs

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Our history

Cointreau’s history is marked by many milestones

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Le Carré Cointreau welcomes you to the heart of the distillery