We were recently invited to join a very intimate luncheon and tasting at the chic XO Restaurant at the Hotel St. James with seventh generation and utterly charming Charles de Bournet Marnier Lapostolle, whose great-grandfather, Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, created the world-renowned spirit, Grand Marnier.
Not only was this an opportunity to shake hands with a member of this iconic brand, but it was also a chance to dive into the beautiful family history behind it. Here are some notable facts for those of you that aren’t deeply familiar with the Grand Marnier legacy…
The Grand Marnier bottle, with its cognac pot-still shape, wax seal, red ribbon and ivory label with gothic letters, has not changed in over 150 years. It is instantly recognizable. For over 25 years, Grand Marnier has been the most widely exported French liqueur. Today it is available in over 150 countries and a bottle is sold every two seconds around the world.
More than 150 years – and six generations – after it was established, Grand Marnier is still owned and managed by the family that founded it: the Marnier Lapostolles. Today the company’s president, Jacques Marnier Lapostolle, defends the same values as those of his great-great-grandfather: quality, authenticity and style.
Okay, so now with that Grand Marnier 101, let’s get into our afternoon experience. On hand at the XO were professional mixologist and World Class Canada winner Jenner Cormier and professional bartender Sam Dalcourt, who expertly mixed the latest cocktail recipes and also showcased how effortlessly Grand Marnier can be used to create stylish and vibrant cocktails for at-home spring entertaining – something all of us young professionals can use for our at-home soirees. Mixology usually seems intimidating but we couldn’t believe how easy it was to create a refreshingly delicious cocktail with Grand Marnier. We listed our two favourite recipes for entertaining below. Thank us later.
1. The Fruité Pêché. Celebrating the newest innovation from the Grand Marnier selection, this recipe shows off the stunning and luxurious new Raspberry Peach flavour at its best. It was also custom-made by our ambassadors, Sam Dalcourt and Jenner Cormier, especially for this lunch.
1.5 oz Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach
0.5 oz Simple syrup
0.75 oz Fresh lime juice
Egg white
2 dash Rhubarb bitters
ISO Glass
2. The Grand O. The welcome cocktail, poured from a pitcher and perfect for serving with your friends this summer on a terrace.
1.5 oz Grand Marnier
2 oz fresh orange juice
2 oz club soda
4 raspberries (or more!)
Squeeze of lemon juice
Coup glass or flute
Now, you might be wondering about the raspberry peach Grand Marnier. That’s right, friends, this is the latest expression from their Signature Collection No. 2. The natural flavours of succulent European raspberries and rare red peaches from Ardèche, in the South of France, are combined with Grand Marnier. The result is an alluring and mixable spirit that is enjoyable on the rocks, as well as in delicious cocktails, and will be available in Quebec shortly just in time for the sunny weather and patio season.
As if this day couldn’t have been any more notable, during the various mixology break, we fully indulged in am XO lunch menu that tapped into every sense and paired with the perfect Grand Marnier creations to accompany it.
Here’s to exploring your new and notable cocktail menu at home.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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