Cocktails with Triple Sec
Triple sec is a sweet, colorless orange-flavored liqueur essential for margaritas, cosmopolitans, and many classic cocktails. Quality varies significantly by brand.
No Triple Sec? What to use instead
- Type
- Liqueur
- Strength
- 15–40% ABV
- Aroma
- Fresh orange, Orange blossom, Sweet citrus
- Taste
- Orange zest, Sweet, Citrus oils, Light bitterness
- Finish
- Clean, Citrus, Moderately sweet
48 drinks with Triple Sec
- Añejo HighballAged Rum, Lime Juice, Angostura Bitters
- AppletiniVodka, Apple Juice, Lime Juice
- Between the SheetsWhite Rum, Cognac, Lemon Juice
- Bitter Mai TaiCampari, Dark Rum, Lime Juice
- Blue HawaiiWhite Rum, Vodka, Pineapple Juice
- Brandy CrustaCognac, Maraschino Liqueur, Lemon Juice
- Breakfast MartiniGin, Lemon Juice, Marmalade
- Cable CarAged Rum, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- Corpse Reviver No. 2Gin, Lillet Blanc, Lemon Juice
- Corpse Reviver No. 4Tequila Reposado, Lillet Blanc, Lemon Juice
- CosmopolitanCitrus Vodka, Lime Juice, Cranberry Juice
- CrangriaRed Wine, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice
- Easy SangriaRed Wine, Brandy, Orange Juice
- El PresidenteWhite Rum, Dry Vermouth, Grenadine
- Frozen MargaritaTequila, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
- Golden DreamGalliano, Orange Juice, Cream
- Goombay SmashDark Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice
- Italian MargaritaTequila, Sour Mix, Orange Juice
- Japanese SlipperMidori, Lemon Juice
- JasmineGin, Campari, Lemon Juice
- KamikazeVodka, Lime Juice
- Lemon Drop MartiniCitrus Vodka, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- Long Island Iced TeaVodka, Tequila, White Rum
- Long Island Iced Tea SlushVodka, Tequila, White Rum
- Lynchburg LemonadeJack Daniels, Lemon Juice, Lemon Soda
- Mai TaiWhite Rum, Dark Rum, Lime Juice
- Mai Tai SlushWhite Rum, Dark Rum, Lime Juice
- Man o WarBourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Lime Juice
- Mango Margarita SlushTequila, Mango Nectar, Lime Juice
- MargaritaTequila, Lime Juice
- Margarita SlushTequila, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
- Mexican MartiniTequila Reposado, Lime Juice, Olive Brine
- Mezcal MargaritaMezcal, Lime Juice
- Passion Fruit MargaritaTequila, Lime Juice, Passion Fruit Purée
- Pegu ClubGin, Lime Juice, Angostura Bitters
- PeriodistaDark Rum, Apricot Brandy, Lime Juice
- Presidente MargaritaTequila Añejo, Brandy, Sour Mix
- Satans WhiskersGin, Dry Vermouth, Sweet Vermouth
- SidecarCognac, Lemon Juice
- Singapore SlingGin, Cherry Heering, Bénédictine
- Spicy MargaritaTequila, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
- Summer PunchWhite Rum, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice
- Test PilotDark Rum, White Rum, Falernum
- Tropical ItchBourbon, Dark Rum, Overproof Rum
- Water MoccasinCrown Royal, Peach Schnapps, Sour Mix
- Watermelon Margarita SlushTequila, Lime Juice, Watermelon Juice
- White LadyGin, Lemon Juice
- Yellow BirdWhite Rum, Galliano, Lime Juice
History
Triple sec was created in France in the mid-19th century. The name means 'triple dry' or 'triple distilled', referring to the production process. Cointreau, created in 1875, became the benchmark premium triple sec. Today, it's one of the most widely used liqueurs in cocktail making.
How it’s made
Made by macerating and distilling bitter and sweet orange peels with neutral spirit. Higher quality versions use more distillation passes and better orange varieties. Some brands add sugar after distillation, while premium versions achieve sweetness primarily through the oranges themselves.
Bottles to try
De Kuyper Triple SecBudget
Dutch orange liqueur offering bright citrus at an accessible price point for everyday mixing.
CointreauMid-range
The gold standard in orange liqueur, with perfect balance of sweet and bitter orange character.
Pierre Ferrand Dry CuraçaoPremium
Cognac-based orange liqueur with more complexity and depth than standard triple sec.
DeKuyper Triple SecBudget
Sweet orange liqueur, widely available, good for margaritas.
CointreauMid-range
French orange liqueur, balanced sweet and bitter, industry standard.
Grand MarnierPremium
Cognac-based orange liqueur, rich and complex, sipping quality.
Got Triple Sec at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.