French Coffee : Brandy & Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur Coffee Cocktail

A French Touch on Coffee

The French Coffee transforms a classic liqueur coffee into something brighter and more elegant. Grand Marnier® lends refined orange complexity, while brandy adds warmth and depth that pair beautifully with hot coffee.

Background

This cocktail is a French-inspired spin on the Spanish Coffee and Irish Coffee traditions. Instead of rum or whiskey, it uses brandy for a softer, fruit-forward base and the unmistakable citrus aroma of Grand Marnier®.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Brandy – Provides a smooth, warming foundation.
• Grand Marnier® (Orange Liqueur) – Adds a rich citrus note from Cognac and orange peel.
• Hot Coffee – Balances sweetness with roasted bitterness.
• Sugar Cube – Sweetens and helps integrate the spirits.
• Whipped Cream (optional) – Adds a luxurious finish.

Equipment

• Irish coffee cup
• Bar spoon
• Jigger or measure

Why You’ll Love It

It’s bright, warming, and sophisticated—a lighter, fruit-tinged alternative to heavier dessert coffees. The orange-brandy blend creates a fragrant steam that invites slow sipping.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap Grand Marnier® for Cointreau® for a drier citrus bite.
• Use Armagnac instead of brandy for deeper flavor.
• Add a touch of vanilla syrup for sweetness without cream.

Helpful Tips

• Warm your glass first to preserve temperature.
• Stir the sugar until fully dissolved before adding liqueur.
• For flair, garnish with an orange peel twist over the cream.

Conclusion

A refined orange-kissed coffee classic that proves simplicity can be extraordinary.