Updated July 2026.
Cointreau and Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge are both 40% ABV orange liqueurs — different bases, same ethanol. Cointreau’s own FAQ: 40% alc/vol; 93 kcal and 6.8 g sugar per 30 ml. Grand Marnier’s US FAQ: 80 proof / 40% alc/vol; Cordon Rouge is cognac plus bitter orange (Campari America 2025 booklet: 40% alc/vol). A 1-ounce pour of either is 0.67 NIAAA standard drinks; a 1.5-ounce pour is one drink. Generic triple sec can be 15–40% — read that neck separately.
IBA Margarita calls for orange liqueur (Cointreau is the usual bar bottle). Sidecar and Cadillac Margarita recipes often specify Grand Marnier. Related: alcohol in a margarita, IBA specs.
Orange liqueur vs cognac + orange
| Cointreau l’Unique | Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge | |
|---|---|---|
| US ABV | 40% (brand FAQ) | 40% / 80 proof (brand FAQ) |
| Base | Neutral alcohol + orange peels + sugar | Cognac + bitter orange + sugar |
| Owner | Rémy Cointreau | Campari Group |
| 1.0 oz drinks | 0.67 | 0.67 |
| Sugar | 6.8 g / 30 ml (brand FAQ) | Not printed here |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 standard drinks of liqueur ethanol — plus sugar. Four 1-ounce pours are about 2.7 drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. No 2026 MSRP.
Sources
- cointreau.com FAQ: 40% ABV; 93 kcal / 6.8 g carbs per 30 ml.
- grandmarnier.com/en-us/faq: US 80 proof, 40% alc/vol.
- Campari Academy 2025 Grand Marnier booklet: 40% alc/vol (80 proof).
- NIAAA standard drink (December 2025). Generic triple sec ABV