Drink of the Week: Cointreau Noir

Specialty liqueurs have been garnering a lot of attention over the past couple of years. Some of them, like batavia arrak or creme de violette, have entered the U.S. market with much anticipation, giving us the chance to discover and enjoy a variety of vintage cocktails. Other liqueurs have remained constants in the cocktail world, in both classic and contemporary recipes. Cointreau is a perfect example. So we were intrigued by the recent release of Cointreau Noir, which unlike Cointreau, is designed more for sipping than mixing. But in the tradition of many new and old liqueurs, sipping this liqueur neat is the best way to enjoy it anyway, particularly for the price. A blend of Cognac and orange liqueur, Cointreau Noir balances bitter and sweet flavors with a touch of spice and rounded notes of vanilla, honey and, of course, orange. It’s a great addition to a home bar, and a perfect gift idea for your favorite imbibers.