Triple Sec

Clear orange liqueur — generic name for the category Cointreau refined.

Liqueurs France (historically) 30% ABV
Flavor profile: citrussweet

Triple sec is the generic category name for clear, sweetened orange liqueur. Most bar-rail triple secs (Bols, DeKuyper) are significantly cheaper and thinner than Cointreau — good for volume bars but noticeable in a proper cocktail. Combier is a respected higher-end triple sec from Saumur that costs less than Cointreau and is used by many craft bars. For home use: if you can only buy one, buy Cointreau.

Common uses

Lemon Drop, utility sweetener in many sours.

Cocktails that use Triple Sec

  • Lemon Drop — Vodka, triple sec, and fresh lemon — tart and sparkling with a sugared rim

Substitutes

  • Cointreau — Better in every way; upgrade when you can.
  • Orange Curaçao — Darker and richer — not quite interchangeable.