Cointreau Unveils Citrus Series

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Angers to Corsica: Introducing the Cointreau Citrus Series

In September 2024, Cointreau welcomed 11 of the world’s most celebrated bartenders on an unforgettable journey from Angers, France, to the stunning island of Corsica for the grand unveiling of our latest innovation: Cointreau Citrus Series – Opus #1 The Corsican Pomelo.

This exclusive event was not just a product launch; it was a captivating experience crafted to immerse these bartenders in the essence of Cointreau. From our rich heritage to our dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients, each moment was a celebration of the artistry and passion that define our brand.

The Cointreau Citrus Series represents our dedication to crafting exceptional spirits. It is an exclusive collection of citrus distillates crafted specifically for bartenders looking to elevate their creations. The inaugural release, Opus #1, highlights a Corsican Pomelo distillate, showcasing Cointreau’s expertise in citrus and celebrating Corsican heritage. This exceptional spirit is the result of a unique collaboration between Cointreau’s Master Distiller, Carole Quinton, and third-generation citrus farmer, Jean Do Valentini, whose family orchards thrive in Aléria, on Corsica’s eastern coast. Recognizing the outstanding terroir of Valentini’s orchards, nurtured by the Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich soil, Quinton sought to create a distillate that captures the unique essence of Corsican pomelos.

Unlike traditional liqueurs, Opus #1 undergoes a double-distillation process, resulting in a flavor profile closer to white spirits like gin or vodka, providing bartenders with a versatile ingredient for innovative cocktails.

Jesse Vida
Jesse Vida hails from the vibrant city of Singapore, where he pours his passion for mixology into his very own establishment, Cat Bite Club.
Millie Tang
Representing Australia on the global stage is Millie Tang. With a commanding presence behind the bar, Millie serves as the Head Bartender at The Gresham.
Riccardo Rossi
Italy's own Riccardo Rossi shows off his entrepreneurial spirit as Co-Owner of Freni e Frizioni, where every detail is crafted to perfection.
Jose Luis Leon
Jose Luis Leon infuses the spirit of Mexico into his role as Creative Director at Licorería Limantour. His innovative concoctions are a testament to his passion for his craft.
Margarita Sader
Margarita Sader infuses her Spanish heritage into her work as Creative Director at Paradiso in Spain. She's also a talented fashion designer, bringing a unique eye for style and aesthetics to both her drinks and designs.
Manja Stankovic
In the bustling hub of UAE, Manja Stankovic expertly manages the beverage program as Beverage Manager at Mimi Kakushi.
Christine Wiseman
Christine Wiseman brings her expertise to Bar Lab in the USA, where she holds the esteemed title of Beverage Director.
James Irvine
From the land of sunshine and beaches, James Irvine represents Australia. Catch him shaking things up as the Group Creative Cocktail Lead at JAM Record Bar.
Giulia Cuccurullo
The UK is lucky to have Giulia Cuccurullo, Head Bartender at The Artesian London, where she wows customers with her exceptional cocktail creations.
Beckaly Franks
Hong Kong is where you'll find the ever-so-stylish Beckaly Franks. As the Owner of Call Me Al, Beckaly curates a captivating atmosphere alongside exceptional drinks.
Svajune Janeliunaite
France is where you'll encounter the effortlessly cool Svajune Janeliunaite. As the Bar Manager at Le Syndicat, her influence on the cocktail scene is undeniable.

Angers: A Journey to the Heart of Cointreau

The journey began with a journey to the heart of Cointreau, in Angers, France. The experience included a visit to the legendary Cointreau distillery to rediscover the iconic Cointreau L’Unique, witnessing firsthand how the brand's dedication to quality and craftsmanship has been passed down for generations. Guests delved into the history of Cointreau, from the sourcing of orange peels to the secrets of its distillation process. The journey continued to La Richardière, the historical mansion of the Cointreau family, where they were hosted by Alfred Cointreau himself, the 6th generation of the family, for an intimate glimpse into the brand’s rich heritage.

Corsica: An Immersive Exploration of Terroir and Taste

Their Corsican escapade was a whirlwind of discovery, education, and of course, pure enjoyment! The journey began with two extraordinary workshops led by true masters in their craft:

Antoine Lie, Master Perfumer, shared his deep knowledge and passion for citrus in the world of fragrance. Bartenders experienced firsthand the vital role pomelo plays in creating captivating scents, unveiling its unexpected complexity and aromatic power.
Acclaimed Chef Camille Saint M'Leux then guided them through a culinary exploration of citrus, demonstrating its incredible versatility in gastronomy. It was an inspiring session, brimming with ideas for innovative ways to incorporate citrus—including the Corsican Pomelo—into their cocktail creations.

Revealing The Bottle: A Journey of Terroir & Craftsmanship

It was then time for the highly anticipated unveiling of the Cointreau Citrus Series – The Corsican Pomelo, bringing to life the story of terroir and collaboration that makes this spirit so unique. They gained deeper insights into the partnership between Cointreau’s Master Distiller, Carole Quinton, and the passionate pomelo grower Jean-Do Valentini, witnessing how their shared pursuit of excellence led to this exceptional distillate. The bartenders also had the unique opportunity to visit Jean-Do's orchards, to walk among the trees and witness the care and dedication that go into cultivating this prized fruit.

After fueling up with a fantastic lunch in the Algeria region, it was off to explore what our bartenders like to call “The University of Citrus" — a place dedicated to understanding the marvelous world of citrus fruits. It was a fascinating deep dive into the world of citrus and learn that there are over 300 kinds of citrus out there!

This entire adventure was a beautiful example of shared expertise for an even more amazing outcome!

This collaboration goes beyond just crafting a delicious spirit, it also has a heartwarming CSR aspect. Jean-Do utilizes every bit of his precious pomelos—the juice is put to good use, while Cointreau gives new life to the peels through distillation. Talk about a win-win!

FINAL MOMENTS: A TOAST TO INNOVATION

As the sun sets over Corsica, the bartenders are left not only with unforgettable memories but with a renewed energy for their craft.

They'd shared in the magic of Cointreau’s heritage, explored the nuances of a unique terroir, and connected with fellow artists who share their love of innovation. From the heart of Cointreau in Angers to the citrus groves of Corsica, it was a journey that left them feeling inspired, connected to something truly special, and wildly excited to shake up the world of cocktails with the exquisite flavors of the Corsican Pomelo!

Cointreau Unveils Citrus Series

Angers to Corsica: Introducing the Cointreau Citrus Series

Angers to Corsica: Introducing the Cointreau Citrus Series

Among the Finest: 11 Bartenders Celebrate Cointreau's Latest Innovation

Jesse Vida

Millie Tang

Riccardo Rossi

Jose Luis Leon

Margarita Sader

Manja Stankovic

Christine Wiseman

James Irvine

Giulia Cuccurullo

Beckaly Franks

Svajune Janeliunaite

An Amazing and Immersive 3-Day Experience

Angers: A Journey to the Heart of Cointreau

IN ANGERS...

Corsica: An Immersive Exploration of Terroir and Taste

IN CORSICA...

Revealing The Bottle: A Journey of Terroir & Craftsmanship

Revealing The Bottle: A Journey of Terroir & Craftsmanship

FINAL MOMENTS: A TOAST TO INNOVATION

FINAL MOMENTS: A TOAST TO INNOVATION