12 Best Cointreau Cocktails

So you bought a bottle of Cointreau liqueur to make some fancy Cointreau margaritas and now you’re wondering what other orange liqueur cocktails you can make, eh?

While we can certainly enjoy a fabulous Cadillac Margarita, there are a lot more cocktail recipes you can make with that bottle of Cointreau. Also, keep in mind that any cocktail that calls for Cointreau can also be made with Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, so this is definitely a list of cocktails to bookmark.

Well, we’ve got good news for you. There are tons of delicious and sophisticated Cointreau cocktails with orange flavor you can make.

Cointreau, a classic and versatile orange liqueur, has long been a staple ingredient in bars and cocktail recipes across the world. Its crystal-clear appearance and delicate orange flavor make it the perfect addition to an array of delicious concoctions. Allow yourself the pleasure of discovering the fascinating world of Cointreau cocktails as you’re guided through the different flavors and mixtures that showcase its starring role.

As you begin your journey, you’ll notice that Cointreau’s unique taste complements various spirits and mixers, elevating any cocktail to new heights. Whether you’re looking to create a refreshing summer drink or a cozy winter warmer, this French liqueur has got you covered. From timeless classics like the Margarita and Cosmopolitan to more innovative drinks, Cointreau cocktails set the standard for modern mixology.

Prepare your shaker and gather your favorite cocktail ingredients, as you’re about to take your bartending skills to the next level. Unlock the potential of Cointreau cocktails and impress your friends or simply enjoy your masterpiece in the comfort of your own home.

From the aforementioned Cointreau margarita to the classic sidecar, we’ve got you covered here.

But that’s not all. We’ve also included some unique Cointreau cocktails like the Kahlua Cointreau French Coffee and a surprisingly delightful Cointreau-infused mimosa.

Cointreau orange liqueur with its signature orange fragrance has been around since 1875 and it’s about time we gave this delicious liqueur some more love.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Source: perfectbrew.com

1. Kahlua Cointreau French Coffee

This Cointreau and Kahlua cocktail is one of the most unusual Cointreau drinks on our list of fabulous orange liqueur drinks.

Most of us don’t add liqueur to our coffee as often as we would like, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that we generally drink coffee in the morning. And most of us aren’t getting up and drinking cocktails with our morning coffee.

However, the next time you decide you want an alcoholic coffee beverage, give this delicious Kahlua Cointreau cocktail a try.

This Cointreau cocktail recipe uses French press coffee, Cointreau, Kahlua, and heavy cream. It’s exactly as divine as you would imagine it to be.

Garnish this Cointreau cocktail with cocoa powder.

Source: threeminuteblog.com

2. Vodka Sidecar

A vodka Sidecar is just what it sounds like: a delightful spin on a classic cocktail.

Instead of brandy, you use vodka for a vodka Sidecar and the result is fabulous.

Be sure to use good-quality vodka for a vodka Sidecar. A cocktail like this is boozy and you want to be able to enjoy the citrus notes of the Cointreau.

Shake your ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and then strain it into a martini glass.

Coat the rim of your glass with sugar to really give this cocktail the full effect. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Source: inspiredtaste.net

3. Lemon Drop Martini

The Lemon Drop Martini is a Cointreau drink that’s made with nothing but Cointreau, vodka, simple syrup (or maple syrup), and fresh lemon juice.

This refreshing martini is festive and tangy, and you serve it without ice cubes. Simply shake your ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker and then drain the cocktail into a pretty stemmed glass.

Basically, the Lemon Drop Martini is like a vodka martini, but the Lemon Drop Martini is made with sweet and sour flavors like fresh lemon juice.

Sugar the rim of your cocktail glass, and you can garnish your Lemon Drop cocktail with a lemon twist.

Source: thetasteedit.com

4. Classic Sidecar

A classic Sidecar cocktail is made with Cointreau, Cognac, and fresh lemon juice.

Sometime around the time of World War I, a U.S. Army captain was stationed in Paris, France.

Legend has it that this Army captain rode around Paris in a motorcycle with a sidecar, and this cocktail was supposedly made for him.

The Sidecar cocktail was created at the iconic Paris bar called Harry’s New York Bar.

To make the Sidecar super special, rim the cocktail glass with sugar to bring out the Sidecar’s tart flavor.

A Sidecar should be shaken with ice cubes in a cocktail shaker, then strained into a cocktail glass.

Serve your perfect cocktail with an orange slice or a lemon twist.

Source: toriavey.com

5. Pomegranate Martini

We love pomegranate, so when we saw this recipe for a pomegranate martini, we knew it would be a favorite cocktail.

A pomegranate martini is light and sweet-tart, which makes it the perfect fruity cocktail for folks who also love a serious drink.

This pomegranate martini will remind you somewhat of a Cosmopolitan, except instead of cranberry juice, it’s made with pomegranate juice.

Serve this cocktail in a chilled cocktail glass for full effect and you have a serious and sophisticated cocktail ready to serve to your guests (and yourself!).

Garnish with a lemon peel.

Source: gimmesomeoven.com

6. Classic Margarita

Margaritas have gotten super fancy over the years, and in some recipes, the ingredients have shifted from slightly to dramatically.

For one thing, the frozen margarita can be delicious (and we like those, too!), but it’s a huge variation from the classic margarita.

The classic margarita has just a few simple ingredients: fresh lime juice, tequila, and Cointreau (or Triple Sec).

There’s no need whatsoever to buy overpriced (and over-sugared) margarita mixes when you can easily make your own delicious margaritas at home.

The classic tequila margarita dates back to the 1930s and, according to the International Bartender Association, it should only have white tequila, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), and fresh lime juice.

Remember, for a classic margarita, you need to salt the rim of your margarita glass. Also, garnish your Cointreau margarita with a lime wedge.

You can serve a margarita straight up or on the rocks (with ice cubes or crushed ice).

Source: dishesdelish.com

7. Cadillac Margarita

Why do they call this Cointreau cocktail a Cadillac Margarita? Because it’s the Cadillac of the margarita world.

A Cadillac Margarita is made with the finest liquor and liqueurs, including Grand Marnier, top-shelf tequila, and Cointreau.

What makes the Cadillac Margarita stand out is that you float your Grand Marnier on top of the drink after you mix it.

One thing that makes the Cadillac Grand Marnier margarita unique is that it doesn’t have added sugar.

All of the flavor comes from the liquor and the fresh lime juice.

Garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel.

Source: noblepig.com

8. Cosmopolitan Cocktail

A gorgeous pink Cosmopolitan cocktail made with Cointreau is sure to lift your spirits.

Not only is it tasty, but this pretty drink can’t help but be cheery because of how it looks.

This popular cocktail was allegedly invented in the early part of the 1930s, but this classic Cointreau cocktail became super popular when it was featured on the TV show “Sex and the City” in the 1990s.

The Cosmo is perfect to enjoy with your friends for a patio gathering, and it’s incredibly easy to make.

Traditionally, a Cosmopolitan cocktail is made with citron vodka, but you can make it with regular vodka and add fresh lemon juice.

Use unsweetened cranberry juice, Cointreau, and simple syrup (or maple syrup). Feel free to serve a Cosmopolitan cocktail over crushed ice if you like it super cold.

Garnish your Cosmopolitan with a bitter orange peel or a lime wheel.

Source: postprohibition.com

9. Mai Tai

If you’ve ever had a Mai Tai cocktail that was sickly sweet, you’ve probably not had a classic version of the Mai Tai.

First of all, a Mai Tai shouldn’t be pink. Also, you don’t need a cute little umbrella (although you can go for it if you like those!).

A classic Mai Tai has Cointreau, Martinique rum, Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, and fresh mint leaves for garnish.

You can also garnish your Mai Tai with a pineapple slice, a cocktail cherry such as a Maraschino cherry, or a lime wedge.

Source: seriouseats.com

10. White Lady Cocktail

If you like a cocktail that is citrus-flavored, the White Lady cocktail may become a favorite after you try it for the first time.

A White Lady cocktail is made with gin and traditionally features a frothy topping that’s made from an egg white.

You will sometimes see the White Lady called a Chelsea Sidecar or a Delilah. The White Lady is basically a Sidecar that’s made with gin.

Legend has it that this fun Cointreau cocktail was made in the 1920s, but the location where it was invented is disputed.

Some folks say that the White Lady was created at London’s Savoy Hotel, but others insist that this is another cocktail that was invented at the legendary Harry’s New York Bar, which is located in Paris, France.

Source: jeffreymorgenthaler.com

11. Pegu Club

Created in the 1920s and mentioned in a cocktail book by Harry McElhone, the Pegu Club is a classic gin cocktail that is sophisticated and boozy.

Invented at the club by the same name, this lime juice cocktail is surprisingly balanced, but the Pegu Club isn’t sweet.

The herbal and citrus finish is perfect if you’re just wanting a classic gin cocktail with a citrus twist.

To make the Pegu Club, you need good-quality gin, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, angostura bitters, and orange bitters.

Garnish your Pegu Club with a lime wedge.

Source: veganinthefreezer.com

12. Mimosa

Sometimes called “contro liqueur,” Cointreau isn’t usually an ingredient in a classic mimosa, but we’re here for the idea.

The classic mimosa is made with just two ingredients: champagne and orange juice.

However, why not have fun with this classic orange cocktail by adding some orange-flavored liqueur like Cointreau?

You can make this mimosa with your favorite orange juice, Italian Prosecco, and a splash of Cointreau.

Another variation of the classic mimosa is to use any sparkling wine.

The result is a wonderfully tangy and interesting mimosa that is nothing near ordinary.

Do you want some more Cointreau recipes? How about something that’s super simple to make but hard to get absolutely perfect? Check out this video below to learn how to make the perfect Cointreau and tonic.

Cointreau cocktails

Our Best Cointreau Cocktails (+Kahlua Cointreau French Coffee)

These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
5 from 7 votes
Total Time 14 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ounce Kahlua or coffee flavored liqueur
  • 1 cup coffee French press
  • 1 ounce Cointreau or other orange liqueur
  • 2 Tablespoons whipped topping
  • Powdered cocoa for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Brew the French press coffee.
  • Pour Cointreau and Kahlua into a mug, then pour the coffee on top.
  • Stir well and garnish with cocoa powder and whipped cream.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal
Keyword cointreau cocktails, kahlua cointreau french coffee
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
Cassie Marshall
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