Made in Monaco: Orange Liqueur
Those who own or rent apartments in Monaco benefit from living in the heart of the Cote d’Azur – a destination that teems with sophisticated fun. The beautiful location and Mediterranean lifestyle, which make life so enjoyable year round, creates the perfect setting to enjoy a fresh and flavorful liqueur. Aperitifs have always been a big hit on the terraces of the Principality’s finest restaurants and private apartments, and now a new premium liqueur is bringing a unique twist to the market. L’Orangerie Monte-Carlo is the first 100% Monegasque liqueur that connects Monaco’s agricultural heritage to the upmarket city-state residents know and love.
The All-Natural Essence of Monaco | L’Orangerie Monte-Carlo is an all-natural liqueur with no added colourants or preservatives. It is the creation of an Irish businessman, Philip Culazzo, who has lived locally for the last seven years. He wanted to tap into Monaco’s little known history as a thriving agricultural centre where the cultivation and trade of fruits were once the mainstay of the local economy.
Beyond the glamour of world-famous boutiques and casinos, Monaco still has 600 trees which provide the bounty of citrus fruits that go into L’Orangerie’s refreshing liqueurs. The trees produce between 10 and 15 tonnes of fruit annually, which is traditionally used in marmalade and orange wine. Mr Culazzo made a deal with the government to recuperate the huge amount of oranges that are left over, thus saving them from a wasteful disposal and transforming them into a product that locals can be proud of.
An Organic Drink | The oranges are harvested by hand in February. The process is chemical-free from the outset with no pesticides being used since all the orange trees in Monaco are organic. This means that the orange peel keeps its nutrients and flavor, which is enhanced by the use of alcohol to extract the aroma that gives L’Orangerie Monte-Carlo its uniquely Monegasque taste. The recipe is closely guarded but it is no secret that the oranges are washed and peeled by hand to make the liqueur, with some put aside and frozen for year-round usage. The juice is fermented and distilled in vats to make separate spirits and followed by an ageing process of at least six months. Bottling of the final product takes place in autumn and winter.
An International Standard Drink with Local Roots | L’Orangerie Monte-Carlo is a very local product that is growing an international reputation for high-quality and excellence. It comes in an eye-catching Art Deco style bottle, which uses a textured paper like an orange peel. The hand-crafted liqueur is being served at establishments throughout the Principality chilled on its own or as a cocktail. It becomes the ultimate Monte-Carlo cocktail when mixed with Prosecco and topped with a slice of strawberry. In fact, it can be accompanied by all manner of spirits, soft drinks and fruits for tantalizing flavors as subtle or tangy as you desire. Experiment with gin, basil and different fruit juices to find a cocktail that appeals to your taste or mood.
Where to Buy L’Orangerie | L’Orangerie can be ordered online or purchased at the recently opened atelier shop at 9 Rue de la Turbie, near Place des Armes. It is also available to buy at the Wine Palace and Mr Room Service. The traditionally made drink is a wonderful addition to summer evenings with friends on your balcony overlooking Monaco, the very place that influenced its conception and made its production possible.