National Grand Marnier Day celebrates the iconic French orange-flavored liqueur that has become a staple in both cocktails and culinary creations. This premium spirit combines cognac with bitter orange essence, creating a sophisticated and versatile drink.
Quick Facts
When is it?: July 14th annually
Tagged as: Food & Drink Holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #GrandMarnierDay #NationalGrandMarnierDay
When was it founded?: 1880 (the liqueur itself)
Who founded it?: Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle
History
Grand Marnier began as an innovative experiment when Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle decided to blend Haitian tropical oranges with traditional French cognac. What seemed unconventional at the time became a distinguished spirit that revolutionized the liquor industry. The brand sources its cognac from the finest Ugni Blanc grapes in the Cognac region of France, double-distilled in copper stills for optimal flavor.
Timeline
• 1827: Jean-Baptiste Lapostolle opens first distillery near Paris
• 1880: Creation of Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
• Early 1900s: Gains international recognition
• 2002: Special Cuvee created for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee
Dates for Next Years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 14 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 14 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 14 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | July 14 | Friday |
| 2029 | July 14 | Saturday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by enjoying Grand Marnier in cocktails, cooking with it, or sipping it neat. Popular cocktails include the Marnier & Bubbles and Grand Marnier-ita.
Fun Facts About Grand Marnier
• A bottle was found in the Titanic wreckage
• The most expensive variant costs around $800
• It’s made using bitter oranges specifically from Haiti
• The same cognac source has been used since 1880
Quiz
- What year was Grand Marnier created?
- What are the main ingredients in Grand Marnier?
- Where does the cognac come from?
-(Answers: 1880; Cognac brandy and bitter orange essence; Cognac region of France)
FAQs
Q: Can Grand Marnier be used in cooking?
A: Yes, it’s popular in desserts, sauces, and various dishes.
Q: Should it be served chilled?
A: It can be enjoyed neat, on ice, or in cocktails according to preference.
Importance of Grand Marnier Day
This celebration highlights the craftsmanship of French spirits and recognizes a liqueur that has influenced both mixology and culinary arts for over a century.
Related Holidays
• National Cognac Day
• International Cocktail Day
• National Liqueur Day
• French Food Day
• World Bartender Day