Food Holidays: July 14th, 2022

Good morning, I would like to share our series featuring Food Holidays: July 14th, 2022. Would you take a look at the foods or beverages being celebrated today and let me know if you want to take part in the celebration. As for Charlie is he to young to take part and I don’t want to try Grand Marnier. But I bet if David was home and we went out to dinner David would try it at least once.

National Grand Marnier Day

Five Food Finds about Grand Marnier:

1. In order to manufacture the most prestigious Liqueur in the World, which is better known as Grand Marnier, only the finest ingredients have to be used in order to achieve the quality that is expected from purchasing such a product.
2. The other key ingredient being the Oranges that are going to give the flavor which will make Grand Marnier stand out in terms of quality and unique taste.
3. The Oranges used in the manufacturing of Grand Marnier are “Bitter Oranges” carefully selected from Plantations around Tropical Regions of the World including the Caribbean’s.
4. They need to be of a very special species better known as “Citrus Bigaradia” so when the peel is dried, it will still retain a very strong perfume that will give this unique aroma and character to Grand Marnier.
5. Still made to be a jealously-guarded original recipe created by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle, this blend of the essence of Orange, Cognac and Sugar Syrup gives birth to the Amber Liqueur.

Never doubt the greatness of French liqueur, as National Grand Marnier Day, celebrated on July 14th every year, brings yet another delicious French drink into the spotlight making it time to move over Champagne. Grand Marnier is the name of a brand of French Liqueurs, with their most famous product being the Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge an Orange-flavored Liqueur made from a blend of Cognac Brandy, Sugar, and pure Bitter Orange Essence. Since the drink contains notes of Citrus, we’re officially calling this Fruit-infused, making this healthy. For those who cannot distinguish between Whiskey and Cognac, we’ll put you out of your misery Whiskeys are made from Rye, Corn, and Barley Malt, whereas Cognac is a kind of Brandy that is created from Grapes. Both are aged in oak barrels, though, so the confusion is understandable. Since we’re sure this has your taste buds clamoring for a taste of Grand Marnier, join us as we trace the origins of this holiday and the Cognac itself,  as well as bring you the best Cocktail and food recipes this Liquior can be used in.  

HISTORY OF NATIONAL GRAND MARNIER DAY

Grand Marnier liqueur was the brainchild of Frenchman Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle, who was passionate about experimenting with blending different Fruits with Liquor. After nearly a decade of experimenting, in 1880, Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle hit upon the combination of Haitian Tropical Oranges with traditional French Cognac, giving rise to the Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, the most famous of the Grand Marnier brand. This Amber-hued, Citrusy infusion can be drunk neat, or in Cocktails, and it’s no wonder that Grand Marnier has now become a household name when it comes to the liquor industry. Grand Marnier is now ranked among the high-class brands of Liquor, worldwide, and the price reflects this. This is because the Grand Marnier brand uses only the highest quality of aged Cognac, made from Ugni Blanc Grapes only. Sourced from Vineyards in France’s Cognac region, these Grapes go through a double distillation process. 

The fame of Grand Marnier is such that a bottle was even found in the wreck of the Titanic. Since 1827, the distillery has been owned by the Marnier family and their renown is such that a special concoction, the Cuvee Grand Marnier,  was invented in honor of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, in 2002. One of the most expensive Grand Marnier Liqueurs is sold for $800 a pop, and this brand is immensely popular in both France and America. If all this has not got you convinced to give this fabulous beverage a try, then we suggest you go the Culinary route and try some of the recipes that this Amber Nectar is used in.

NATIONAL GRAND MARNIER DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Why not host your own Cocktail Party today complete with fancy Cocktails. Channel your inner mixologist and get creative, trying out fabulous Cocktails that can be created using Grand Marnier Liqueur. We can help get you started with a few suggestions: Marnier and Bubbles: mix Grand Marnier with some Champagne or any other French Sparkling Wine in a 1:4 ounce ratio, then pop in a Cherry. Grand Marnier-ita: combine Tequila, Lime Juice, and a splash of Grand Marnier, Salt the rim, and garnish with Lemon Wedges to enjoy a Margarita. Grand Marnier Smash: muddle Mint Leaves with Lemon, add Ice and a generous splash of Grand Marnier, and enjoy.
2. If extravagant gestures are part of your love language, go ahead and gift someone special a bottle of Grand Marnier. As a bonus, why not share a beverage with them.
3. Today is a fascinating topic to research. Whether you watch a documentary or go down a rabbit hole on the internet, you are sure to come across many fascinating facts and become more knowledgeable than ever. Giving you an edge at your next Cocktail party, as you wow folks with your fun factoids.

5 DELICIOUS RECIPES USING GRAND MARNIER

1. Classic Crepes, but with a zesty twist of Orange Juice and Orange Liqueur.
2. Did you know you can make a Roasted Duck bathed in a glorious, boozy, Citrus Sauce made with Grand Marnier.
3. Grand Marnier Marmalade is definitely not your average Marmalade, thanks to the addition of bitter-Orange Grand Marnier.
4. Grand Marnier Cream Frosting with just a hint of Spirits and Citrus Notes, goes beautifully on Lemon Pound Cake or any flavor of Cake.
5. Yule log/Buche de Noel using the French version of features an Orange Mousse filling that adds a festive zing thanks to the addition of Grand Marnier liqueur.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL GRAND MARNIER DAY

1. Today is a day to be real, for those of us who love a Cocktail or Boozy Desserts drinking holidays give us a reason to explore and expand our horizons, as we try new drinks acquiring new tastes. Let’s not forget that Social drinking is enjoyable.
2. National Grand Marnier Day is the perfect excuse to try something entirely new in the kitchen. From desserts to meats or sauces, this liqueur adds pizzazz to everything it’s incorporated into.
3. The Grand Marnier brand originated in France, and opens up a whole world of knowledge and Culture to us as we learn more about the Cognac and its origins, developing an appreciation for the richness it brings.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates