National Grand Marnier Day Date in the current year: July 14, 2024

Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, the original liqueur, was created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle, the son of a wine and spirit merchant. The liqueur is made from cognac (a French variety of brandy produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town of Cognac), distilled bitter orange essence, and sugar. It is 40% alcohol.

Other variations of this liqueur include Grand Marnier Cordon Jaune and Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire. Cordon Jaune is made with neutral grain spirit instead of cognac, it is a triple-sec Curaçao-like liqueur. Cuvée du Centenaire is made with 25-year-old cognacs.

The French widely use this liqueur in desserts, pastries, and other dishes. It is a popular ingredient of flambé desserts, such as soufflé, crème brûlée, and Crêpe Suzette. Grand Marnier is also used in liquor cream buns and bûche de Noël (a traditional Christmas dessert that resembles a yule log). It can be added to sauces such as cranberry sauce and orange sauce for the roasted duck (Canard à l'Orange).