Mandarine Napoléon Liqueur

Product Description

Mandarine Napoléon Liqueur: A Cognac-Based Mandarin Liqueur from Belgium Since 1892

Mandarine Napoléon is a rich, vibrant blend of handpicked Sicilian mandarins, aged cognac, and about 20 botanicals from around the world, bottled at 38% ABV (76 proof). The story goes that Napoleon Bonaparte liked mandarins macerated in alcohol, and that his chemist and counselor, Antoine-François de Fourcroy, had the idea of blending the mandarin distillate with cognac. In 1892, a Belgian chemist named Louis Schmidt found the recipe in Fourcroy’s diary and created the liqueur, first sold as Mandarine Napoléon: Grande Liqueur Impériale. It’s produced today at the Distillerie de Biercée in Belgium and has been owned by De Kuyper Royal Distillers since 2009.

The mandarin peels are macerated and combined with cognac and a secret blend of botanicals, which the brand lists as including cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, angelica, and tea. The result is a liqueur that is warmer and more complex than a typical triple sec, with cognac underneath. Sip it neat or over ice, or use it where a recipe calls for an orange liqueur, in a Margarita, Sidecar, or Martinez.

What’s in the Bottle

• Cognac-based mandarin liqueur: Sicilian mandarins, aged cognac, and about 20 botanicals
• 38% ABV (76 proof)
• Distillerie de Biercée, Belgium; made since 1892

Tasting Notes

From the distiller’s notes.

Color: Warm, bright amber to golden orange.

Nose: Natural mandarin zest, with a woody spiciness and an undertone of rich cognac.

Palate: Sweet mandarin, with nutmeg, cinnamon, and hints of marmalade and licorice.

Finish: Long and warming.

Food Pairings

The mandarin, spice, and cognac pair well with dark chocolate, crêpes, and orange cake. It also goes with duck, soft cheeses, and fruit tarts.

Serving Suggestions

Sip it neat, over ice, or in a Napoléon Margarita (the brand’s signature: 1 oz Mandarine Napoléon, 2 oz 100% agave tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and a bar spoon of agave syrup). It’s also a good swap for triple sec in a Sidecar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What proof is it? 76 proof (38% ABV).

What’s in it? Sicilian mandarins, aged cognac, and about 20 botanicals.

Where is it made? The Distillerie de Biercée in Belgium.

How long has it been made? Since 1892.

Is it like Grand Marnier? It’s a cognac-based citrus liqueur, but made with mandarins and brighter and spicier.

Can I use it instead of triple sec? Yes, in most cocktails.

Explore More

Browse our Mandarine Napoléon collection, Liqueur collection, or Cognac collection.

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