How to Drink Grand Marnier

Co-authored by Yasmin Rosales

Last Updated: May 28, 2024 References

Grand Marnier is a classic orange-flavored cognac-based liqueur that can be used to prepare a countless number of drinks. Its subtle orange and cognac flavors make it a super versatile ingredient for cocktails and shots. Master a few of the basics to get started, and you’ll be well on your way to a lifetime of experimenting with Grand Marnier!

Ingredients

B-52 Shot

1/3 oz (10 ml) of Grand Marnier
1/3 oz (10 ml) of Kahlua
1/3 oz (10 ml) of Baileys Irish Cream

Makes 1 serving

Grand Cosmopolitan

1 oz (30 ml) of Grand Marnier
1 oz (30 ml) of vodka
1 oz (30 ml) of cranberry juice
1/2 oz (15 ml) of lime juice
Ice cubes
Lime twist for garnish

Makes 1 serving

Cadillac Margarita

1/4 oz (7.5 ml) of Grand Marnier
1.5 oz (45 ml) of silver tequila
1/2 oz (15 ml) of agave syrup
1/2 oz (15 ml) of lime juice
Ice cubes
Lime wedges for garnish
Kosher salt for rimming the glass (optional)

Makes 1 serving

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparing a B-52 Shot

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1
Get a bottle each of Grand Marnier, Kahlua, and Baileys Irish Cream. You will use an even ratio of each liquor in the shot, so get bottles of the same size if you plan on making a lot. Put all the bottles in front of you on a bar or table so you’re ready to prepare this classic layered shot!^{[1]
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- You can also use homemade Baileys Irish Cream in the shot.
- Use another type of coffee liqueur instead of Kahlua if you don’t have it.
2
Fill 1/3 of a shot glass with Kahlua or other coffee liqueur. This is the easiest layer of the shot to pour and you don’t need any special technique. Pour slowly so that you don’t fill more than 1/3 of the shot glass.^{[2]
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- Repeat this in multiple shot glasses if you are preparing more than 1 shot.
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3
Pour Baileys Irish Cream slowly over the back of a spoon into the glass. Stop pouring when the shot glass is 2/3 full. When you pour over the back of the spoon it slows the flow of the liquor enough so that the layers won’t mix.^{[3]
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- A long-handled bar spoon is ideal for preparing this shot. If you don’t have a bar spoon use a medium-sized dining spoon.
4
Pour Grand Marnier slowly over the back of a spoon until the shot glass is full. Use the same technique you used to pour the Irish cream so that the layers don’t mix. The B-52 shot is now ready to drink!^{[4]
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- As an alternative to a spoon, use a pourer spout on your bottle of liquor. Hold the pourer spout against the side of the glass and very slowly let the liquor pour out down the side of the shot glass.^{[5]
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Lift the shot to your mouth and drink it all at once. Enjoy the subtle mix of the coffee, orange, cream, and whiskey flavors. This classic shot is great when enjoyed as a dessert!^{[6]
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- Legend has it that the B-52 shot was created by a bartender in the 1970s who was a huge fan of the band The B-52s.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Making a Grand Cosmopolitan

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1
Pour vodka, Grand Marnier, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Combine 1 oz (30 ml) each of vodka, Grand Marnier, and cranberry juice with 1/2 oz (15 ml) of fresh-squeezed lime juice in the shaker and put the lid on.^{[8]
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- For more citrus flavor use citrus-flavored vodka or add a dash of orange bitters.^{[9]
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Shake the cocktail shaker until the outside of the shaker frosts over. Shake the ingredients together vigorously for at least 15 seconds. Make sure the lid is on tight before you begin to shake.^{[10]
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- Shake hard enough that you can hear the ice rattling around inside. You want to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly and break up the ice.
Store the martini glass in a freezer or fill it with ice water for 5 minutes to chill it. Uncap the top part of the cocktail shaker or use a julep strainer to pour the drink into the martini glass. The cocktail is now ready to serve and drink!^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Mixing a Cadillac Margarita

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Use a muddler or rolling pin to hit the wrapped ice and crush it if you don't have a hammer. Break up the ice until you have crushed ice of mixed sizes from pea-sized to the consistency of snow.^{[12]
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Fill a glass with ice water for 5 minutes to chill it, then fill it with crushed ice. After 5 minutes, empty the ice water out and fill the glass close to the brim with crushed ice. Make sure the glass has crushed ice of various sizes.^{[13]
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- Salt the rim of the glass prior to filling it with ice if you want. Rub the rim with a lime wedge and flip the glass over onto a plate of kosher salt after you empty out the ice water. Press gently to adhere the salt to the rim and flip the glass back over.^{[14]
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3
Combine tequila, agave, lime juice, and Grand Marnier in a shaker with ice. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in 1.5 oz (45 ml) of silver tequila, 1/2 oz (15 ml) of agave syrup, 1/2 oz (15 ml) of fresh-squeezed lime juice, and 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) of Grand Marnier. ^{[15]
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- Use simple syrup instead of agave syrup if you don’t have it.
4
Shake the cocktail for 15-20 seconds and strain it into the chilled glass. Stop shaking when the outside of the cocktail shaker frosts over. Make sure you can hear the ice knocking against the sides, top, and bottom of the shaker as you mix everything together.^{[16]
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- If you are making more cocktails, empty out the ice and repeat the mixing process for each cocktail.
Cadillac Margaritas are sure to be a hit in hot weather or paired with Mexican food. Multiply the measurements of the ingredients and premix everything for large batches. Store it in the fridge in a pitcher until ready to serve.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Drinking Grand Marnier As a Digestif

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1
Pour 1 shot of Grand Marnier into a snifter. Serve neat, with no ice, to appreciate the complex flavors. Swirl the liqueur in the glass and take small sips to savor the taste.^{[17]
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- Add one cube of ice if you prefer your liqueur chilled.
2
Mix 1 part Grand Marnier with 3 parts ginger ale. Serve in a glass over ice cubes and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy the blend between the intense aroma of Grand Marnier and the peppery flavor of ginger ale.^{[18]
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- Squeeze the lime wedge into the glass first then add the same wedge as garnish.
3
Warm up 1 shot of Grand Marnier and mix with 3 oz (90 ml) of hot coffee. Add brown sugar if you want to sweeten it and garnish with whipped cream. This is the perfect after-dinner coffee to enjoy with company!^{[19]
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- Put the shot of Grand Marnier liqueur in the microwave for 7-10 seconds to warm it up.

Community Q&A

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Question

What mixes well with Grand Marnier?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Grand Marnier is a sweet, orange-flavored liqueur, so it goes well with fruit flavors. Mint can also complement it nicely, if you don’t mind the slightly bitter mint-orange combination. It can also mix well with gin, sparkling wine, and tequila.

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Is Grand Marnier a good after-dinner drink?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Yes, Grand Marnier makes a good dessert drink by itself, mixed into a fruity cocktail, or combined with hot coffee and cream.

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Does Grand Marnier go bad?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Grand Marnier has a very long shelf life. If stored in a cool, dry, dark place, it can stay good for several years. It’s best to drink it within 12 months after you open it, or it will start to lose its flavor or develop an unpleasant taste or smell.

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