Cointreau, a premium French orange liqueur, is a staple in classic and modern cocktails. Its smooth, citrusy flavor enhances drinks by adding depth and balance. Whether you prefer something refreshing, strong, or sweet, these ten Cointreau cocktails are sure to impress.
1. Classic Margarita
A timeless favorite that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and salty flavors.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml tequila
- 30 ml Cointreau
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- Salt for the rim
Instructions:
- Rim a glass with salt and fill it with ice.
- Shake tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice with ice.
- Strain into the glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Cosmopolitan
A stylish and fruity cocktail with a crisp citrus kick.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml Cointreau
- 15 ml cranberry juice
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
3. Sidecar
A sophisticated, slightly tart cocktail with a smooth finish.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml cognac
- 30 ml Cointreau
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- Sugar for the rim
Instructions:
- Rim a coupe glass with sugar.
- Shake cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice with ice.
- Strain into the glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
4. White Lady
A refined gin-based cocktail with a citrusy, frothy texture.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml gin
- 30 ml Cointreau
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg white (optional)
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients without ice to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice and shake again.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
5. Mai Tai
A tropical rum cocktail with a bold citrus and almond flavor.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml white rum
- 20 ml dark rum
- 15 ml Cointreau
- 15 ml lime juice
- 10 ml orgeat syrup
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients except dark rum with ice.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Float dark rum on top and garnish with a mint sprig.
6. Blood Orange Margarita
A vibrant twist on the classic margarita with a richer citrus profile.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml tequila
- 30 ml Cointreau
- 30 ml fresh blood orange juice
- 15 ml lime juice
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a blood orange slice.
7. Corpse Reviver No. 2
A classic cocktail known for its refreshing yet complex flavor.
Ingredients:
- 25 ml gin
- 25 ml Cointreau
- 25 ml Lillet Blanc
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- Dash of absinthe
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.
8. Long Island Iced Tea
A strong, refreshing cocktail with a hint of citrus sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 15 ml vodka
- 15 ml gin
- 15 ml white rum
- 15 ml tequila
- 15 ml Cointreau
- 25 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Splash of cola
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients except cola with ice.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with cola and garnish with a lemon wedge.
9. Cointreau Spritz
A light and refreshing cocktail perfect for warm days.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Cointreau
- 90 ml prosecco
- 30 ml soda water
Instructions:
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add Cointreau, prosecco, and soda water.
- Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
10. Lemon Drop Martini
A tart and sweet cocktail with a citrus-forward kick.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml vodka
- 30 ml Cointreau
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Sugar for the rim
Instructions:
- Rim a martini glass with sugar.
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into the glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Margarita, a refreshing Cointreau Spritz, or a sophisticated Sidecar, these cocktails showcase the versatility of Cointreau. Try them at your next gathering or for a relaxing evening at home!