Limited edition to bring Irresistible cheer

In a vivid red lacquer shell, the 2009 Grand Marnier limited edition Cordon Rouge 'Irresistible' bottle will add a seasonal charm to Christmas celebrations, says the producer.

Only 1,000 bottles will be available in the UK when they go on sale for Christmas in top retailers such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods. Style bars and top hotels will also be stocking the new bottle to go with two specially created cocktails.

The pot still-shaped bottle bears a faux seal with the Grand Marnier name n a strawberry sorbet colour giving a modern twist to a bottle shape that has endured since Grand Marnier was created by Louis-Alexander Lapostolle in 1880.

The Irresistible bottle is the seventh in the annual series of limited editions which are sought by collectors – 2003’s Pictogram; 2004’s Grand Red; 2005’s French Touch; 2006’s Versailles spirit; 2007’s Lounge; and 2000’s Cosy.

Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge retails for around £20 a bottle and is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends.

Irresistible cocktails

Two recipes have been created so that they can be drunk either as an aperitif or as a long afternoon drink.

Grand Marnier Irresistible aperitif cocktail

30ml Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
30ml strawberry juice
20ml apple juice
10ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
Shake all ingredients with ice cubes, strain and serve in a cocktail glass

Grand Marnier Irresistible afternoon cocktail

30ml Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
60ml strawberry juice
40ml apple juice
10ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a tall glass filled with ice and stir. Garnish with a cape gooseberry dipped in red caramel

Grand Marnier is still owned and run by Louis-Alexander’s heirs, now in the fifth
and sixth generations.  Over 90% of production is sold outside France in over 150 countries. Grand Marnier is among the top 100 international brands of premium spirits and the third highest selling liqueur brand with one bottle sold every two seconds somewhere in the world.

1 August 2009 - Felicity Murray