Post #578780 by CincyTikiCraig on Thu, Mar 3, 2011 10:03 PM

You should use Grand Marnier or one of the Marnier substitutes, such as Stock's GranGala or Torres Gran Orange. All three brands are in full national distribution. After much experimenting, I have settled on using Stock’s GranGala as my go-to Curaçao in a Mai Tai. GranGala is similar in style to Grand Marnier in that it’s made on an brandy base, but it's less expensive and still high quality. Curaçaos come in two styles, those that are made with a brandy base (such as Grand Marnier, Marie Brizard Orange Curaçao, Torres Grand Orange and Stock’s GranGala), and those that are made with a neutral grain spirit base (such as Senior, Bols, Hiram Walker & DeKuyper). in fact Grand Marnier was originally called “Curaçao Marnier” on it’s label for many years, it's the original Curaçao. I like a brandy based Curaçao in my Mai Tai as the brandy base adds richness, viscosity and complexity to the final drink. I’m able to get GranGala for $16.00/750ml bottle here in the Cincinnati area, which is far less expensive than Grand Marnier, and I find GranGala to be drier and less ‘syrupy’ than Marnier as well. The Torres Orange is excellent as well.