Alfred Cointreau is currently the sixth generation scion of the Cointreau family, spearheading a much loved 150-year-old heritage brand which started all the way back in 1849.
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Margarita cocktail, Cointreau invited us to meet Alfred in East London for a colourful margarita masterclass and an in person interview. Discover their classic margarita recipe and read our interview with Alfred Cointreau below…
A margarita without cointreau is not worth it’s salt – Margaret ‘Margarita’ Same (1948)
When and where did you try your first margarita
7/8 years old I assisted my grandmother with an aperitif and she asked me to make a margarita. It’s how I started in the world of cocktails.
Is the margarita your favourite drink? Or what is if not?
Yes as is the Sidecar. I have a favourite cocktail for every occasion. So it varies…
What would be the exact premium ingredients you would use in your margarita
Cointreau, blanco tequila and fresh lime. I like to experiment with different salts.
MARGARITA RECIPE
30ml Cointreau
50ml Blanco Tequila
20ml fresh lime juice
shaken with ice and served in a salt-rimmed margarita glass.
Mezcal or tequila? What’s your preference
La Escondida mezcal is great in a margarita.
Where was the best margarita you ever had. Not your own.
During the mardi gras in New Orleans – during the Zulu parade at Chris Hannah’s place. Drank margarita’s all day.
What’s and where is your favourite cocktail bar.
My favourite bar is my home bar – seen as the heart of the house. Otherwise, there’s a few The Savoy bars, Tails & Spirit in Amsterdam, Calbar in France and Limantor in Mexico. What I love about a bar is you feel at home in it straight away.
In your opinion what three words best describe a margarita?
Sweet, Strong, Sour (three key ingredients in a cocktail). Fourth S – sexy which I’m adding to the 3 s’s
How should a margarita be served traditionally? Martini style or on the rocks.
Traditionally martini style – created in 1948. Margarita on the rocks is great. Doesn’t matter which as long as there’s Cointreau.
Most inspiring places you’ve hosted or been hosted at for a masterclass?
Soho Farmhouse is great. We host a masterclass on bank holidays. It has a great garden and orangery perfect for masterclasses.
What do you do for downtime?
I love to spend time with my family, wife and two daughters
Favourite hangout venue worldwide?
My family house in Anger, Limantor in Mexico, Soho Farmhouse, the sort of place you want to come back time and time again with good friends.
If you were sitting on a beach with a margarita what tune would you be listening to?
Down in Mexico by The Coasters LISTEN HERE
Favourite soundtrack?
The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk. They make music that is great for partying and making love to.
What is your favourite city to travel to?
Amsterdam, peaceful. Great for cycling not too many cars. When I had my first baby I went cycling there with my baby so it has great memories.
Anything you want to share with RUDE readers?
A shot of Cointreau or a cocktail.
What was the last thing that made you stop stare?
Whilst driving, whenever I see an Antiques shop I always have to stop and take a look.
