What is triple sec?
Although it’s safe to say you missed the global unveiling of triple sec at the 1878 World’s Fair in Paris, you won’t need to search far for it today. This famous dry orange liqueur can be found behind nearly every bar mixing up everything from Cadillac Margaritas and Kamikazes to Sidecars and Skittle Bombs. Try a good Cointreau triple sec in or atop desserts like soufflés or pastries, too!
Known formerly as "Curaçao Triple Sec," the triple sec category of colorless, semi-sweet, bold, and orange-flavored, is a subset of the Curaçao family of liqueurs flavored by dried bitter and sweet orange peels. It’s hard to believe, so varieties comprise this orange-tangy group, but then look at the range of cocktails recipes and menus in the United States alone.
What is Curacao? Is it a triple sec?
Curaçao is usually agreed to be the original orange liqueur. When and by whom triple sec liqueur was developed is hotly debated, but isn’t the important part knowing what makes the best triple sec for your Cosmo, White Lady, or Margarita and where to get it? Read on!
Interestingly enough, the first bottles of Cointreau (Pronounced in French: [kwɛ̃tʁo]) were labeled "Triple Sec Cointreau." Dating back to 1849, this French brand of triple sec is drunk neat (alone) or over ice as an aperitif, digestif, and, of course, as part of many famed cocktails. It was initially called Curaçao Blanco Triple Sec.
Typically, all Curaçaos tend to be sugarcane alcohol-based and fall around 40% ABV. If a recipe calls for triple sec , careful not to substitute it with the wrong choice, for example, the orange liqueur Grand Marnier is made with Cognac brandy and can throw off some cocktails.
Is triple sec alcohol free?
If you’re looking for an alcohol-free triple sec, you can use what’s called triple sec syrup. A blend of natural orange extracts and simple sugar, it’s great for mixing with other alcoholic cocktails. Then you and guests can enjoy a mocktail without worrying about the alcohol content.
Through trial and error in making triple sec recipes, you’ll find a vast difference between the different brands. Distillers not only use a variety of oranges types from one another; they often change out the kinds of alcohol, sugars, and various ingredients like herbs and roots, too. Well-informed bartenders (a.k.a.: mixologists) keep this in mind in creating their best triple sec cocktails for you.
How is triple sec made?
Quality triple sec liqueurs are usually based on neutral spirit made from sugar beet, unlike those made from grapes, grain, or sugar cane. Dried orange peel (and sometimes also leaves and blossoms) is steeped in the neutral alcohol and then redistilled to concentrate the taste.
When produced, triple sec is sweetened depending on their recipes, many of which have been kept top secret.
Where does triple sec come from?
You can find these and many other major brands of triple sec at retailers nationwide:
Browse our wide selection of triple sec and start exploring all this category has to offer.