National Grand Marnier Day

National Grand Marnier Day celebrates a luxurious orange-flavored brandy liqueur that has been enjoyed around the world for more than a century. Grand Marnier was created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle and is known for its smooth blend of Cognac brandy, bitter orange essence, and sugar. At 40% alcohol (80 proof in the US), it’s a sophisticated addition to any cocktail menu or dessert recipe.

History

The story of Grand Marnier begins in 1827, when Jean-Baptiste Lapostolle opened a distillery near Paris. His granddaughter Julia and her husband Louis-Alexandre Marnier later developed the recipe for Grand Marnier by combining Caribbean bitter orange with Cognac. They introduced the liqueur in 1880, and by the second half of the 20th century, it had become especially popular in the United States.

Fun Facts

• Every two seconds, a bottle of Grand Marnier is sold somewhere in the world.
• It has been France’s most exported liqueur for over 25 years.
• The Marnier-Lapostolle family still owns the brand.
• Iceland has one of the highest per capita consumption rates of Grand Marnier in the world.
• A bottle of Grand Marnier was found among the wreckage of the Titanic.

Jokes

• A nun walks into a liquor store and buys a bottle of Grand Marnier, claiming it’s for the Mother Superior’s constipation. Later, the clerk finds her drunk on the curb. “You said this was for the Mother Superior!” he says. The nun replies, “It is. When she sees me like this, she’s gonna crap herself.”
• A man walks into a bar and orders Grand Marnier. He says, “I just got back from the women’s shelter, and boy are my arms tired!” People laugh—then he adds, “From putting up shelves. I volunteer there.”
• Anti-joke: A man buys five bottles of Grand Marnier. Slowly, alcoholism tears his family apart.
• A man drinks Grand Marnier and water and gets drunk. He tries it again with different drinks, but always with water—and always gets drunk. Finally, he exclaims, “No more water for me!”
• How does a man plan ahead? He buys two bottles of Grand Marnier instead of one.

Quotes

• “An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus is much wiser than most men.” — Charles Darwin
• “Glass of brandy and water? Call it what it is: liquid fire and distilled damnation.” — Robert Hall
• “Prohibition is better than no liquor at all.” — Will Rogers
• “Mozart’s music comforts like a warm glass of brandy.” — Rebecca West
• “Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.” — Ogden Nash

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Grand Marnier Day by enjoying a bottle of this iconic liqueur. Try a new cocktail like a Grand Marnier Smash, or use it in a dessert. Head to a local bar or host a tasting at home with friends. For an extra special experience, visit the Grand Marnier distillery in Neauphle-le-Château, France. Or just stay in and read more about this elegant drink!

Other Names

This holiday is also known as Grand Marnier Day and International Grand Marnier Day.

When is National Grand Marnier Day in 2025?

National Grand Marnier Day is observed on July 14 each year.

Observations