There’s nothing quite like the zing of a margarita: the pop of flavor as your tongue tries to decipher salt, sweet, tart, and citrus all at once. Contrary to what many people think: the classic margarita has no added sugar! It’s just three simple ingredients: lime, tequila and orange liqueur. Here’s one of our favorite ways to make it: the Triple Sec margarita! In our classic margarita we use Cointreau, but there’s a subtly different experience with triple sec. Here’s how to make one!
Ingredients in a margarita recipe with Triple Sec
The margarita is one of the most popular cocktails of all time. It’s a classic sour that was invented back in the 1930’s. No one knows the exact origin story, but it’s most likely a variant on the the Brandy Daisy (margarita means “daisy” in Spanish). The Daisy is a family of drinks with base liquor, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water. It’s very similar to a Sidecar, which stars brandy and Cointreau. The margarita on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning there’s an “official” definition. The classic margarita ingredients are:
TequilaLime juiceTriple sec
You’ll notice that our Perfect Margarita uses Cointreau, a popular variation on the triple sec margarita. Cointreau is actually a type of triple sec that tastes even smoother. It’s confusing, we know! Let’s chat more about orange liqueurs…
What’s Triple Sec? What’s the difference vs Cointreau?
The orange liqueur family is confusing, because Triple Sec is both a family of liqueurs and a product in itself. Here’s a little background info:
Triple Sec is a family of dry orange liqueurs. In most liquor stores, bottles labeled Triple Sec are lower in quality and more affordable than Cointreau. Triple Sec has a more straightforward flavor vs Cointreau: it’s very citrusy, almost like an orange-infused vodka. The quality ranges based on the brand.Cointreau is a type of Triple Sec. It’s a is a clear, orange-flavored liqueur made from sweet and bitter orange peels. It tastes smoother than Triple Sec, with warm spices that add complexity and nuance. You can use either in a margarita!
Best Triple Sec for margaritas
Triple Sec varies widely in quality based on price. Here’s what to know about buying Triple Sec for a margarita:
Look for a mid-priced Triple Sec. The very cheapest Triple Sec isn’t great. We like the Drillaud brand as a mid-range option.Opt for Cointreau as a higher budget option. If you’re ok with the price tag, use Cointreau: you won’t regret it! Cointreau is technically a Triple Sec, so go for that if budget allows.
Best tequila for margaritas
You can use any type of tequila in your triple sec margarita, but it goes without saying: the better the tequila, the better the drink! Our preference is tequila reposado. Here’s why:
Tequila reposado is aged tequila, which is stored from 2 to 12 months. It has a nuanced flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla. It has a much more nuanced flavor than blanco. Tequila blanco is un-aged, and has a more straightforward flavor and that signature tequila burn. You can use it here, but reposado makes for a more interesting drink.
How to make a triple sec margarita: single drink
The triple sec margarita is like any other margarita: make a salt rim, stir or shake up the ingredients, and serve! Here are the basic steps (or go right to he recipe):
Or, make a pitcher!
Do you want to serve a crowd with this Triple Sec margarita? You can make a pitcher instead! You’ll need to add a specific amount of ice to dilute the drinks to the right level. Here’s how to make a margarita pitcher that makes 8 servings:
1 ½ cups tequila1 cup Cointreau1 cup lime juice3 handfuls ice
Add the ice and stir until cold. And that’s it! Let us know if you like this triple sec margarita as a pitcher, or single drink: and your favorite brands of triple sec!
More Triple Sec cocktails
There are so many great Triple Sec cocktails! Try these greats: No reviews
Grab a classic Cosmopolitan, Sidecar or Between the SheetsGo for the real Long Island Iced TeaTry the unique Pegu ClubAdd it into Red SangriaGo for a Pomegranate Martini
