Looking for a great triple sec to mix into cocktails? Orange liqueurs can be overwhelming: type “buy triple sec” as an internet search and there are infinite options. To make matters worse, the terminology is confusing: for example, Cointreau is a also a Triple Sec! What’s the best triple sec for margaritas? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the right orange liqueur for this classic cocktail.
Triple Sec is both a liquor and a category
Let’s clear this up first. Triple Sec is a word used to describe a specific liquor and a family of orange liqueurs. Confusing, right? Here’s what to know:
Triple Sec is the name for a category of dry orange liqueurs: it translates to “triple dry” in French. The other family of orange liqueurs is Curacao, which are sweeter (and sometimes blue, in the case of the Blue Margarita!).Triple Sec is also the name for a product. In most liquor stores, bottles labeled Triple Sec are lower in quality and more affordable than something like Cointreau, which is a higher end Triple Sec.
That said, this list of best Triple Secs will more broadly be a list of dry orange liqueurs that work well in a margarita!
Types of Triple Sec
Since Triple Sec is a category, you’ll see there are various types of Triple Sec you can use in your margarita. Here are the top choices and their flavor differences:
Triple Sec has a straightforward flavor: it’s very citrusy, almost like an orange-infused vodkaCointreau tastes balanced between bitter and sweet, with warm spices that add complexity and nuance. It has a fragrant aroma and a smooth, clean finish.Grand Marnier is a Curacao/Triple Sec hybrid. It’s the most expensive and full of rich, developed flavor and intrigue from Cognac.
Best Triple Sec for margaritas: a quick guide!
Now that we’ve cleared that up: let’s get to the Triple Sec! Here are a few pointers around what to buy:
Classic margarita recipe
Of course, we couldn’t leave you without a recipe! Scroll down for our classic margarita recipe using Drillaud Triple Sec. Or, opt for our Cointreau Margarita or Grand Marnier Margarita.
More Triple Sec cocktails
There are so many great Triple Sec cocktails! Try these greats: No reviews
Opt for the classic CosmopolitanGo for a Triple Sec SidecarTry the delicious Long Island Iced TeaAdd it into Red Sangria
