Cointreau is a French triple sec liqueur created by the Cointreau family in 1875 in Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, in the Loire Valley region. This liqueur is made from peels of various types of oranges that are sun-dried, macerated, and then distilled in copper stills. The result is an essential oil that is mixed with alcohol, water, sugar, and spices, creating a high-proof liqueur. Cointreau is famous for its intense aroma, which balances sweet and bitter notes from a blend of essential oils from sweet and bitter oranges. It is characterized by its intensity and smoothness, being sweet, bitter, warm, and refreshing. Its exact recipe has been a well-guarded secret for over 130 years, making it an internationally appreciated classic.