The Carré Cointreau, on the outskirts of the historic city of Angers, is the perfect combination of education and indulgence. It is part of ‘Visitez nos entreprises’ which gives people the opportunity to see how local businesses work.

The Cointreau brand represents the best of all that is French, a strong family heritage and social commitment that is totally in touch with today. It is both contemporary and pioneering. The guided tour (available by appointment only and in English and French) takes you on a journey through the history of this Angers family and the brand leading to its international status today. Created in 1849, the packaging and recipe has barely changed in generations and, inspite of having trademarked its square amber-coloured glass bottle in 1885, it is the most copied liqueur in the world with more than 1,000 similarly packaged competitors.

If one of your complaints has been that the French are sometimes too traditional and too self-obsessed, this brand proves the opposite! 95% of production is for export, it has been a pioneer in advertising from the very beginning and its communications messages are just as relevant today. Now combined with the prestigious Remy Martin brand, this is a French force to be reckoned with!
Cointreau was the 1st in the world to create a cinema commercial and they produced many household products with their logo to make sure that people woke-up to their brand and saw it everywhere they looked – Richard Branson would be so jealous!

With Dita Von Teese as the ambassador, it would be hard to deny that this is a sexy brand, appealing to men and women (but perhaps for different reasons!) Women want to be her, men want to be with her and if she loves Cointreau it must be fabulous!

For many, the best part of the tour for many is the tasting! This is really well-done as you are all allocated intimate tables in the funky bar. The barman gives a demonstration about making cocktails and then, the best part, you get to try them! The experience is interactive as you add elements to ‘finish’ the cocktails. Cointreau is an incredibly versatile liqueur. There’s the classic Margarita and Carrie’s favourite: the Cosmopolitan. But there’s also the more macho ‘Side Car’ combining two signature brands, Cointreau and Cognac. Cointreau is exciting, sexy and very substantial… it could almost be the recipe for the perfect man!
For more information and to book your visit: Cointreau

Sam's scoop

If you think that Cosmos are so last season, there is a great twist on the concept that might become your new BFF, the
‘Cointreaupolitan’
Shhhh ! Don’t tell everyone, but here’s the recipe :
5cl Cointreau
2cl lemon juice
3cl cranberry juice
Enjoy !