Orange liqueur. We all know it well, But, how well do you know Mandarine Napoléon? Mandarine Napoléon is comprised of the finest mandarine oranges and 10 year old aged cognac. As you may be guessing, Mandarine Napoléon does refer to Napoléon Bonaparte. The orange liqueur was custom made for Napoléon by chemist Antoine-Francois de Fourcroy and not released to the public until after both of their deaths. This spirit is very unique. Not only because it’s the perfect blend of mandarines and cognac, but also because of it’s hue. Most distilled orange liqueurs are clear in color. Mandarine has an “aged” amber tone with hints of orange. Mandarine is distilled in Belgium where it was created in Arnold Holstein pot stills. Just a “stones throw away” from where Napoléon was defeated. Oh the irony! Enough about the history, how does it taste?

As we’ve already noted, the color is an amber tone with hints of orange. Mandarine is surprisingly quiet on the nose but there are hints of fresh mandarine oranges. The aroma isn’t bright and crisp but rather suddle and smooth with hints of  spice. On the palate, Mandarine is smooth and sweet with a burst of orange up front followed by spice and even a tinge of licorice. At 76 proof, Mandarine is an easy sipper over ice.

For the first cocktail, I wanted to play on the spice notes found in Mandarine Napoléon. Mixing spiced rum and scotch we have the Emporer cocktail.

1oz. Spiced Rum

1oz. Scotch

3/4oz. Mandarine Napoléon Orange Liqueur

1 Dash Angostura Bitters

*Add all ingredients to mixing glass and stir until chilled. Strain into coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Aged Margarita:

2 1/2oz. Anejo Tequila

1 1/2oz. Mandarine Napoléon Orange Liqueur

1oz. Fresh Lime Juice

1/4oz. Agave Syrup

*Add all ingredients to shaker and fill with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into double rocks glass over fresh ice.

The Perfect Sidecar:

2oz. Cognac

1oz. Mandarine Napoléon Orange Liqueur

1oz. Lemon Juice

*Add all contents to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake until chilled and double strain into coupe glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

Cheers!