California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers up one of my favorite ways to have $28 less in your wallet  The Grand Marnier flight is a perfect way to end  an outstanding meal at one of Disney World’s finest restaurants.

*

Grand Marnier was created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. The liquor is made from a blend of true congnacs and distilled essence of bitter orange.  While the versatile drink can be consumed ‘neat’.  It also makes a wonderful addition to mixed drinks, and is very common in cooking – crepes au Grand Marnier, anyone?

• Three little shots… 

The Grand Marnier flight allows guests to savor three distinct vintages, each with unique flavor profiles.

The first is the original Grand Marnier – known as Le Cordon Rouge.  As stated above, it’s a blend of true cognacs and bitter orange essence.

The second, and our favorite, is the 100 Year.   A smooth blend of cognacs which is aged up to 25 years and then distilled with essence of wild tropical oranges.  The liqueur will acquire its full finesse and roundness only after a minimum aging of 2 years in oak vats. The 100 year offers an elegant aroma and offers the longest after-taste of the three.

The final glass here is the uber-limited edition of Grand Marnier.  It was created in 1977 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the company. It boasts a deeper and richer combination of the classic cognac and orange. Complex taste with wood and vanilla accents. . At roughly $280 US a bottle, the 150 year is considered a rare find – and coveted amongst fans of Grand Marnier.

Drink up, friends

***