I’ve been bartending in Paris for years, and honestly, there’s nothing like seeing someone’s face light up when you hand them a perfectly made Cointreau cocktail. One of my absolute favorites to make – and drink – is the “Cointreau Kiss.” It’s become my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants something bright, refreshing, but with that unmistakable French flair.
Funny thing: a lot of people assume the Cointreau Kiss is some sort of lost classic from Paris’s golden age. It isn’t. It’s actually a modern invention, just inspired by the old-school orange liqueur drinks that have been around since Cointreau launched back in 1849. But honestly, who cares how old it is? It’s delicious. The Cointreau’s orange notes play so well with fresh lime, and adding a splash of club soda makes it insanely drinkable – especially on summer evenings when our bar’s terrace fills up with locals.
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What you’ll need (for one drink):
- 1½ oz Cointreau (45ml)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice (15ml)
- ½ oz simple syrup (15ml)
- 2 oz club soda (60ml)
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice (for garnish)
If you’re into aesthetics (and who isn’t in Paris?), a chilled martini glass looks stunning with this cocktail. But when we’re slammed on the weekends, I’ll admit I grab a sturdy rocks glass, toss in a big ice cube, and call it a day. (Honestly, less chance of knocking something over in the rush!)
How to make it:
- Fill a shaker with plenty of ice – don’t be stingy. Good dilution and a cold mix are what make this drink shine.
- Add the Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake hard – a good 10-15 seconds – until the shaker’s cold to the touch.
- Strain into your chosen glass (bonus points if it’s been chilling in the freezer).
- Slowly top with club soda. Pour gently – it keeps things bubbly and lively.
- Pop that orange slice on the rim to finish.
Pro tip: At home, if I’m out of simple syrup, a tiny spoonful of honey works in a pinch. Just stir it into the lime juice to help it dissolve before you shake everything up.
I love pairing this with food – my friends still talk about the night I made a tray of goat cheese crostini to go with these for a backyard dinner. The tangy goat cheese plus the citrusy, effervescent cocktail? Magical.
If you’ve got non-drinkers or expectant moms in the group (like my sister, who was thrilled about this last month), you can whip up a mocktail version: sub in orange juice for Cointreau and add a couple dashes of orange bitters. She actually liked it so much she asked me for the recipe for her next book club.
Want to get creative? Muddle a few raspberries in the shaker before you add the liquid ingredients. It turns the drink this pretty pink and throws a subtle berry twist into the mix – great for brunches or when you’re trying to impress someone.
Every summer at our neighborhood block party, the Cointreau Kiss is the first thing people ask for. I batch the base ahead of time (skipping the soda), then let everyone pour their own, top it with club soda, choose their garnish…the pitcher is always empty before the sun goes down.
Seriously – use fresh lime juice, not that neon green stuff from a plastic bottle. I learned that the hard way during my rookie season behind the bar, and I still cringe remembering how flat those first cocktails tasted.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner, celebrating with friends, or just winding down after a long day, the Cointreau Kiss is simple to make, easy to tweak, and guaranteed to make you look like you know what you’re doing. Give it a try – it may just end up being your signature, too.
