Two-Thirds of Cointreau Bottles Now Made From Recycled Glass as Spirits Packaging Embraces Sustainability

In the world of spirits, the design of a bottle often serves as the first introduction to what lies within. Over time, bottles have evolved from simple containers to symbols of identity and culture, reflecting both the heritage and aspirations of the brands they represent. The bottle is no longer just a vessel; it is a statement, a promise, and sometimes even a work of art.

One of the most recognized examples is the decanter used for Louis XIII cognac. Crafted by Baccarat, each crystal bottle is handmade and individually numbered. The design draws inspiration from a flask found on the battlefield of Jarnac in 1850, featuring elements that evoke the fleur-de-lis and Renaissance grandeur. Created in 1874 by Rémy Martin, Louis XIII is made exclusively from eaux-de-vie sourced from Grande Champagne, Cognac’s premier cru. The blend can include up to 1,200 different spirits aged between 40 and 100 years. The result is a complex bouquet with notes of narcissus, jasmine, passion fruit, incense, and sandalwood. The bottle itself has become a symbol of luxury and longevity, intended to be passed down through generations.

In Scotland, Bruichladdich distillery on Islay has taken a different approach with its Classic Laddie bottle. Its slender shape and bold turquoise color set it apart from traditional whisky packaging. Instead of paper labels, essential information is printed directly onto the glass. This design choice reflects Bruichladdich’s commitment to transparency and authenticity. Established in 1881 and revived in 2001, the distillery uses only Scottish barley—sometimes grown on Islay itself—and avoids chill filtration. The Classic Laddie is known for its floral and creamy profile, deliberately contrasting with Islay’s typical smoky whiskies.

French innovation is also evident in the bottle design of Les Hautes Glaces. Founded in 2004 in the French Alps, this distillery produces single malt whisky using organic barley grown on its own land. The bottle is flat, square, and robust with a thick base reminiscent of Alpine rock formations. This minimalist design underscores the brand’s focus on terroir and ecological farming. Their whisky offers fresh cereal notes with a subtle saline touch, highlighting its mountain origins.

Rémy Martin XO presents another iconic bottle design. Its sunburst shape and faceted glass reflect light dramatically, emphasizing the deep mahogany color of the cognac inside. The label features the house’s centaur emblem and highlights its Fine Champagne designation—a blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne (85%) and Petite Champagne (15%). Introduced in 1981, Rémy Martin XO contains up to 400 different spirits aged as long as 30 years. It is known for its velvety texture and rich aromas of ripe fruit, white flowers, and spices.

Among these notable designs stands Cointreau’s instantly recognizable square bottle with rounded shoulders and dark amber glass. Although the liqueur inside is clear, the colored glass protects it from light exposure. In recent years, Cointreau has updated its packaging to include recycled glass—now making up two-thirds of each bottle—and new graphic elements such as illustrations of oranges and the distillery itself. A QR code links consumers to mixology content without altering the classic silhouette. Created in 1875 by Édouard Cointreau in Angers, France, this triple sec liqueur balances sweet and bitter orange peels for an intense yet not overpowering aroma. Its high concentration of essential oils causes it to turn opalescent when mixed with ice—a mark of quality recognized by bartenders worldwide.

Belle de Brillet offers another example rooted in tradition. Produced by Maison J.R. Brillet in Cognac, this pear liqueur comes in an elegant bottle with black and gold labeling that highlights its French heritage. Each 750 ml bottle contains essence from about 20 pounds of Williams pears blended with Brillet cognac. The result is a smooth spirit where fruitiness meets warmth—a popular choice for sipping neat or adding sophistication to cocktails.

Over decades and across continents, liquor bottles have told stories through their shapes, colors, and details. These designs do more than protect their contents; they invite drinkers to experience history and craftsmanship with every pour. Whether through bold innovation or careful preservation of tradition, these bottles have become icons in their own right—instantly recognizable symbols that connect past generations with present-day enthusiasts around the world.