We catch up with Alfred Cointreau, who tells Sam Wylie-Harris more about this key cocktail ingredient.
It's quite a thing when your name is on an iconic bottle, especially one that transcends time and place.
Today, Alfred Cointreau, sixth generation scion of the Cointreau family, is celebrating their 170th anniversary by collaborating with Vincent Darre - an interior designer who's worked with Yves Saint Laurent, Prada and Fendi to name a few - to create a limited edition bottle.
"It was important we partnered with an iconic French designer to truly showcase Cointreau's proud French heritage, as well as our focus on the future," says brand and heritage manager, Cointreau.
"Vincent Darre was the perfect choice - he's the epitome of French chic and creativity, which we thought was a perfect tribute to the spirit of my great-great-grandfather Edouard," he adds.
"Darre has reinterpreted our iconic Cointreau bottle, adorning three of the sides with three original works of art. He mixes styles and moods with a unique elegance only he can possess, which tells the story of the Maison Cointreau, the complexity of the orange liqueur, and the special moment that cocktail tasting brings with it."
Darre has also worked closely with Cointreau to create a special 170th anniversary cocktail - The Sofa - created with lime juice, macadamia nut syrup, pineapple juice and, of course, Cointreau.
A couple of cheeky cocktails in, we take a closer look at what really makes this iconic orange liqueur stand out from the crowd...
How has it made such a name for itself?
"Cointreau is a key ingredient in more than 350 cocktails. It's the perfect balance of flavours, the exceptional power and richness of orange aromas, and the absolute crystalline transparency that makes Cointreau truly stand out," says Cointreau.
"Its exceptional profile draws on specific aspects - quality, and optimal concentration of the essences taken from sweet and bitter orange peels, the balance of flavours, a long finish on the palate and more than 40 aromatic notes," he adds.
What's your favourite Cointreau cocktail?
"My favourite Cointreau cocktail is by far the Margarita. Not only because its creator, [Dallas socialite] Margaret Sames, created it with Cointreau, but because the Margarita is a classic that's both elegant and festive.
"Everything from the ingredients to the glass it's served in is exciting, not to mention it's simple and delicious."
What do you enjoy drinking when it's not Cointreau?
"As an authentic French man, a glass of wine. Angers, where the Cointreau distillery was founded in 1849, is in the heart of the Loire Valley - one of the most important wine regions of France.
"I especially appreciate the Savenniere white wine - whether by the glass, or in cocktails (yes, it's possible and it's delicious!). I also enjoy clear spirits, such as tequila blanco or gin.
"Lastly (and different to classic Cointreau!), one of my favourites that I particularly love, after a good dinner with my brother and father by the fireplace: A Cointreau Noir - the perfect blend between Cointreau, Remy Martin cognac and maceration of walnuts and almonds. De-li-ght-ful!" exclaims Cointreau.
Cointreau Limited Edition by Vincent Darre is priced £35, Harvey Nichols.
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