Grand Smash

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 60 ml Grand Marnier
- 4 Lemon Wedges
- 4-6 Mint Leaves
- Chilled Soda (optional)

GARNISH:
- Sprig of Mint
- Lemon Twist

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Muddle lemons and mint in a cocktail shaker.
Tip: add mint first and cover it with lemon wedges, then muddle; so you do not over muddle or shred the mint.
• Add Grand Marnier and ice.
• Shake until chilled.
• Double strain into a cocktail glass over fresh pebble ice.
• Garnish with a twist of lemon and a sprig of mint.

Cocktail author: Recipe from an article by VinePair.

Grand Marnier seems to be an underutilized liqueur/spirit, often staying in the shadow of orange curacao or triple sec. However, it’s wonderful flavour profile is perfect for cocktails as proven by the article on VinePair. Here is the first cocktail from that list: Grand Smash.

In principle, it is a rather simple and easy to make cocktail that is bursting with flavour. Smash template hints that the drink revolves around muddled fruit, in this particular case it is mint and lemon. Mint brings some refreshing herbal coolness to otherwise very citrusy drink. Muddled lemons give everything the fruit can offer, tart juice, fragrant peel oils, plus slight hint of bitterness from the pith. Finally, star of the show - Grand Marnier. It adds some sweet, slightly bitter, orange notes with underlining complexity of cognac, laying solid foundations for the cocktail. I highly recommend adding that optional dash of soda. A bit of effervescence can go a long way.

Grand Smash is delicious to the very last drop and home-bartender friendly. Pretty much all ingredients can be bought at your local supermarket and no additional preparation necessary. Give it a try if you an opportunity.

Source material:
https://vinepair.com/articles/grand-marnier-smash/