Mix This: Grand O

G&Ts are a balcony staple at our house but, for this terrasse season, we’re stepping up our DIY drink game.

We recently enjoyed a posh lunch at the St-James Hotel’s XO Le Restaurant hosted by cocktail royalty: Charles de Bournet Marnier Lapostolle. As in Grand Marnier. His great-grandfather created the spirit in 1880. Not only were we schooled on the orange-flavoured cognac liqueur’s storied history, we also discovered our new signature drink. The racy Grand O is light, refreshing and a little bit fancy—just like us! To make it at home, simply mix 1.5 oz of Grand Marnier with 2 oz fresh orange juice, 2 oz club soda, 4 raspberries (or more!) and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.

For extra fun multiply those numbers and serve it in a pitcher. Santé! —Christine Laroche

XO Le Restaurant at Hote Le St-James, 355 Saint-Jacques St., Montreal, 514-841-3111, www.hotellestjames.com