Triple Sec substitutes

The closest substitute for Triple Sec is Grand Marnier, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Richer and cognac-based, with less bright orange. Blue Curaçao also works. In a pinch, use Limoncello.

Swap it in 48 drinks Low and zero proof Questions

What to use instead of Triple Sec

Substitute	How much	Strength	Typical drink
Grand MarnierWorks, tastes different Richer and cognac-based, with less bright orange. Same amount	Same amount	40% ABV	About the same
Blue CuraçaoWorks, tastes different Same flavour, but turns the drink blue. Same amount	Same amount	15–25% ABV	−2 points
LimoncelloLast resort Lemon instead of orange. Same amount	Same amount	26–32% ABV	−1 point

Substitute

Grand MarnierWorks, tastes different

Richer and cognac-based, with less bright orange.

Same amount

Blue CuraçaoWorks, tastes different

Same flavour, but turns the drink blue.

Same amount

LimoncelloLast resort

Lemon instead of orange.

Same amount

Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.

Swap it in your drink

Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Triple Sec, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.

How they compare

Triple Sec vs Grand Marnier
Property	Triple Sec	Grand Marnier
Strength	15–40% ABV	40% ABV
Taste	Orange zest, Sweet, Citrus oils, Light bitterness	Orange, Rich cognac, Vanilla, Subtle oak
Aroma	Fresh orange, Orange blossom, Sweet citrus	Bitter orange, Cognac, Vanilla, Oak
Finish	Clean, Citrus, Moderately sweet	Long, Warming, Orange-forward, Elegant

Triple Sec vs Blue Curaçao
Property	Triple Sec	Blue Curaçao
Strength	15–40% ABV	15–25% ABV
Sugar	25 g per 100 ml	12.5 g per 100 ml
Taste	Orange zest, Sweet, Citrus oils, Light bitterness	Orange, Sweet citrus, Light bitter peel, Clean
Aroma	Fresh orange, Orange blossom, Sweet citrus	Orange peel, Citrus, Light floral, Sweet
Finish	Clean, Citrus, Moderately sweet	Orange, Sweet, Clean, Short

Low and zero proof

An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Triple Sec: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.

Already have one of these?

If you have De Kuyper Triple Sec, Cointreau or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, you don't need a substitute: they are all Triple Sec. How they differ

What is Triple Sec?

Triple sec is a sweet, colorless orange-flavored liqueur essential for margaritas, cosmopolitans, and many classic cocktails. Quality varies significantly by brand.

All 48 drinks with Triple Sec

Got Triple Sec? It also replaces

Questions about Triple Sec substitutes

What is the best substitute for Triple Sec?

Grand Marnier is the closest substitute for Triple Sec, though the drink will taste a little different. Richer and cognac-based, with less bright orange. Use the same amount.

What can I use instead of Triple Sec in a Between the Sheets?

Grand Marnier: swap 30ml (1 oz) of Triple Sec for 30ml (1 oz) of Grand Marnier.

Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Triple Sec?

Not one for one: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. Instead, there are zero-proof versions of the Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai and Margarita made with non-alcoholic bottles.

Which Triple Sec brands can I use?

If you have De Kuyper Triple Sec, Cointreau or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, you don't need a substitute: they are all Triple Sec. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.

Does Grand Marnier instead of Triple Sec change how strong the drink is?

Barely. In the 48 drinks on this page that use Triple Sec, Grand Marnier changes the strength by less than one percentage point.

Out of Triple Sec?

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What to use instead of Triple Sec

Swap it in your drink

How they compare

Low and zero proof

Already have one of these?

What is Triple Sec?

Got Triple Sec? It also replaces

Questions about Triple Sec substitutes

What is the best substitute for Triple Sec?

What can I use instead of Triple Sec in a Between the Sheets?

Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Triple Sec?

Which Triple Sec brands can I use?

Does Grand Marnier instead of Triple Sec change how strong the drink is?

More liqueur substitutes