Your favorite cocktail mix always involves a Grand Marnier and it happens to be one of the best liqueur with immense history and taste. This French liqueur is not just an enjoyable evening drink but used in certain recipes as well. However, the orange bitter brandy taste is not just for everyone.
Grand Marnier is one of the best-known orange liqueur and it sure adds sophistication to practically anything. This savvy brandy drink is made by creating orange peel in grain alcohol or brandy which is why it has a sweet orange and bitter flavor.
This drink was created in 1880 and due to its distinct yet complex flavor, it can be used in creating any kind of cooking and baking. But some substitutes are just the perfect alternatives.
While grand mariner will always be that liqueur that works in all recipes, it can be quite pricey as well, and having substitutes that work just the same way will come in handy. Making a cocktail might call for Grand Marnier as well but not to worry, we have rounded up substitutes that are easier to find and tastes great too.
Quick Guide To Grand Marnier
Grand Marnier is a global drink you should know about to enable you to find the perfect substitute for it.
Grand Marnier is a distilled brand founded by Alexander Marnier Lapostolle in the year 1880 and it is well known for its product Cordon Rouge (red ribbon). There are so many cocktails you can make from Grand Marnier.
This is perfect for your basic liquor collection and it is rich enough and smooth for drinking straight. It’s another top shelve liquor brandy lovers can’t say no to.
Grand Marnier is also a staple in many French desserts and also savory dishes like Grand Marnier shrimp or orange chicken. The natural sugar in Grand Marnier infused sweetness into it which also makes it an ideal liquor for cooking.
10 Best Grand Marnier Substitutes For 2022
Grand Marnier is a liquor that stands out for many reasons however it can be pretty expensive, it’s too hard to find and some find the flavor too intense. So, if you are looking to give your cake a delicious taste or need a non-alcoholic substitute for grand Marnier, below are the best grand Marnier substitutes for 2022.
1. Cointreau
Cointreau is a liquor quite similar to Grand Marnier and its unique orange flavor makes it a perfect substitute too. With this, you can achieve the same flavor in cocktails and it happens to be premium triple sec, all you need is a pinch to achieve the same result from using Grand Marnier.
If you don’t like that intense brandy kick from Grand Marnier, Cointreau is the lighter option to go for. This has a cleaner and clearer taste although it doesn’t have a rich strong flavor like brandy and is not as expensive as Grand Marnier.
2. Triple Sec
If you can’t get your hands on Grand Marnier or Cointreau, another liquor that offers the same taste and body is Triple Sec. This is an orange-flavored liqueur that originated from France and is often used in classic French cocktails. It’s a clear liquor you can enjoy straight and is often used as a generic term for any orange liqueur.
Triple sec can easily be a substitute for Grand Marnier since it’s made from the sweet-bitter orange peel as well. The only difference is that Triple Sec has a more distinct flavor.
3. Curacao
Curacao liqueur might be another perfect substitute for you. This offers you the orange flavor similar to Grand Marnier and also there are so many options of this liquor available. Curacao has a brandy base instead of clear liquor and the blue one is used to add a bold look to cocktails.
Substituting Grand Marnier shouldn’t be a reason to worry if you can get your hands on Curaçao liquor. This lacks the intense flavor of Grand Marnier but you can add a bit of brandy and bitters to make your own homemade Grand Marnier.
4. Cognac
Cognac is a type of brandy made from grapes and whisky so if you are trying to skip the strong aftertaste of Grand Marnier, substitute it for cognac. Cognac is used in the making of Grand Marnier hence you are still going to get that brandy flavor and cognac aftertaste is rich in vanilla and spices.
Best Grand Marnier Substitutes For Cooking
Cooking? Here are some great Grand Marnier alternatives for culinary uses.
5. Campari
Campari is less intense and if you are looking for Grand Marnier substitutes in baking or cooking, this is the perfect one to go for. Campari is an Italian liquor and regardless of the red bright color, it works in savory dishes and desserts. This liquor still gives you the bittersweet taste you can get from Grand Marnier.
Traditionalists enjoy serving Campari with soda and slice of orange and of course ice. It does have a distinct taste and it works great in chocolate cakes. However, ensure to balance the flavor out in any recipe.
6. Orange Extracts
For sweet dishes and cocktails, orange extracts or juices will do a great job. A good quality orange extract will taste similar to Grand Marnier and it’s perfect if you want the citrus juice without any alcohol in it as well. Extracts are highly concentrated so you only need a few drops in any recipe.
Orange extract is also perfect for cakes and not hard to find either, you can check out other flavor juices too with a citrus taste. Ideal substitute for glazes too.
7. Bourbon
Bourbon is another common baking whisky and it can replace Grand Marnier in your cocktail as well. Bourbon is a type of American whisky and it has a distinct taste of vanilla bean but not to worry, it works practically any dish that calls for whisky.
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8. Brandy
If you are looking for something subtle but bold at the same time, you should go with brandy. Brandy is a distilled liquor that is derived from fermented wine or juice and just like cognac, it is being used to make Grand Marnier hence it’s a perfect substitute for baking.
9. St. Germain
St.Germain can give you the perfect twist you need in your cocktails while the sweet floral taste can work in baking and cooking as well. The combined citrus flavor makes it an excellent Grand Marnier substitute and the sweet floral taste also works in making bread.
This has a fruity kick in common with Grand Marnier and it’s a staple in many desserts and making or almond cake. It is made from freshly plucked elderflowers hence you can substitute it for Gran Marnier in Margarita.
10. Orange Flower Water
If you are looking for a non-alcoholic substitute in baking but still going for the same Grand Marnier orange flavor, you should try the orange flower water.
This is non-alcoholic water infused with orange blossom and although it’s not the fruit itself, you are sure to still get that bitter-sweet orange taste.
Orange flower water is perfect if you don’t have that many options to choose from. This can be used in baking or making savory dishes. The taste is mild too if you are substituting due to the strong taste of Grand Marnier.
What is a good substitute for orange liqueur?
Orange juice concentrate or orange juice is a good replacement for any orange liqueur. Replace any liqueur with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 1/2 spoon of orange concentrate. However, the amount you use to substitute depends on the prescription for the recipe you are following.
Is Triple Sec better than Grand Marnier?
Grand Marnier is a bit more expensive than a triple sec and it is also a blend of cognac and triple sec but it is considered heavier. Grand Marnier has a hint of orange flavor just like triple sec but with a hint of vanilla and oak tones. Both liqueurs have their own distinct yet similar taste.
What’s the best way to drink Grand Marnier?
Grand Marnier can be enjoyed neat with ice and to ensure it lasts for a very long time, store at room temperature. To appreciate the complete taste of this liqueur, swirl around in the glass and take a small sip to let the flavor sink in. Best served with ice.
Wrapping Up
Grand Marnier is simply used to add sophistication to anything hence it’s more than just an after-dinner drink.
Finding a substitute for it is not complex due to its orange taste however there are not many liqueurs that replace it when it comes to the deep randy taste. But not to worry, the few chosen above are perfect after-dinner drink and works best in baking.