What Is Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur?

A Guide to Buying and Using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 09/21/22
Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur

The Spruce Eats / Colleen Graham

Domaine de Canton is a popular brandy-based ginger liqueur with a brilliant sweet and spicy flavor accented by vanilla and honey. Produced in France and enjoyed in cocktails throughout the world, it's a bottle you'll find behind many bars, and in nearly any liquor store you visit. Adding it to your bar is an excellent idea because you can use this ginger liqueur in a variety of cocktail recipes.

Domaine de Canton vs. The King's Ginger

Domaine de Canton is the best-known premium ginger liqueur on the market, though the United Kingdom's The King's Ginger is a great alternative. The flavor, quality, and price are nearly the same. The most significant difference is that Canton is a little more accurate to the taste of raw ginger. It's also not quite as sweet as The King's Ginger, which is known for a bolder ginger kick and a hint of lemon that's distinguishable from Canton's vanilla and orange tones.

From 2010 through 2019, The King's Ginger was produced in The Netherlands and bottled at 41 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 82 proof), which is strong for a liqueur. The 2020 reformulation, rebranding, and move to U.K. production brought it more in line with Domaine de Canton, and it's now bottled at 29.9 percent ABV (59.8 proof). These changes relaxed the previously well-regarded aggressive ginger flavor and made it a more viable substitute for Domaine de Canton.

Substitutions

There are several other ginger liqueurs on the market. Barrow's Intense Ginger Liqueur lives up to its name and is among the spiciest options. New Deal Ginger Liqueur is also an excellent choice for bold ginger flavors. For an organic alternative, FruitLab Ginger Liqueur is sure to please. Ginger brandies are similar, though most are likely a little sweeter. Ginger syrup is a good substitute, and since it's nonalcoholic, using it will lower the drink's strength. With either of the last two options, you may want to reduce the drink's other sweeteners.

Fast Facts

  • Ingredients: Ginger, brandy, vanilla, orange blossom honey
  • Proof: 56
  • ABV: 28%
  • Calories in a 1 1/2-ounce shot: 105
  • Origin: France
  • Taste: Ginger, honey, vanilla
  • Serve: Chilled, on the rocks, cocktails, shots

What Is Domaine de Canton Made From?

Domaine de Canton is a French ginger liqueur with a brandy base. It's made in small batches at the St. Dalfour Distillery. The process begins with macerating peeled and dried baby Asian ginger in eau-de-vie, while Tahitian vanilla beans and Provençal orange blossom honey add to the botanical flavor. The infusion is blended with cognac from France's Aquitaine region.

The liqueur's name is derived from Canton (now Guangzhou), China, where it was first made. The original formulation was made and sold from 1992 to 1997 as The Original Canton Delicate Ginger Liqueur. A decade later, a revised formula was produced in Jarnac, France, by John Cooper. At 28 percent ABV (56 proof), it's stronger than the original. This new formulation was first called Canton Ginger & Cognac Liqueur when it was released in the U.S. in 2007 and purchased by Heaven Hill Brands. In 2008, the name changed to Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur.

What Does Domaine de Canton Taste Like?

The flavor profile of this yellow-gold liqueur begins with an inviting aroma of ginger and honey. On the palate, the ginger, honey, and vanilla taste has a sultry, cream-like texture. You will notice the ginger's heat building as it reaches the edges of your tongue and throat, perfectly finishing up the lively experience.

How to Drink Domaine de Canton

You can certainly enjoy Domaine de Canton on its own. It's best on the rocks or slightly chilled, but it really shines in cocktails. This is a versatile liqueur that pairs well with various fruits, herbs, and spices in cocktails of every style. It works with any of the main base spirits, most often adding its sweet spice to gin, whiskey, and vodka cocktails. You can also mix it with brandy, rum, tequila, and it can even stand up to the smokiness of mezcal. Anytime a recipe calls for a ginger liqueur, brandy, or syrup, you will not be disappointed by pouring Domaine de Canton.

Cocktail Recipes

Since its release, Domaine de Canton has become the go-to ginger liqueur in many bars. It works in classic ginger liqueur and brandy recipes, and many new drinks have been created specifically for it. You will never run short of unique and fun drink recipes to explore.

Cooking With Domaine de Canton

Beyond the bar, this liqueur is increasingly more popular in the kitchen. Recipes for salad dressing, chicken and beef marinades and glazes, and ceviche are just a few places where it's employed in food. As chefs continue to explore its potential, there are sure to be more fabulous ways to cook with Domaine de Canton.