What is triple sec
Triple Sec is the unspoken heroine in a variety of traditional cocktails like that of the Margarita. It’s a sweet, citrus-scented clear liqueur that adds an orange punch to the cocktail, balancing the earthy spice and smoke that other spirits add. There are a few higher-end versions offered, but there are also lower-cost versions that can be found in every liquor retailer. Try substituting the orange liqueur with cognac, rum, or neutral spirits to experience a different world of flavor within your beverage. Here are the most delicious Triple secs as well as orange liqueurs that you can take a sip at now, along with a few tips from bar experts.
Cointreau Liqueur
“Growing up in Mexico, I wasn’t a huge fan of triple sec,” says Katsumi Yuso Ruiz, bartender and co-owner of Curio Bar, Roger’s Liquid Oasis, and Brass Tacks in Denver. “I really thought it ruined Margaritas, but Cointreau definitely changed my mind, and now I use it for my home marks.” “I love the bright orange and soft floral notes,” is Jess Weinstein, beverage director of Maydan, as well as Compass the Compass Rose.
Combier L’Original Liqueur d’Orange
“Combier was the first triple sec ever made,” claims Carlos Lopez, bar manager at Stiltsville Fish Bar in Miami Beach. “Enough said.” The recipe was developed in 1834 by Jean-Baptiste Combier and Josephine Combier in Saumur, France. The liqueur is great in Margaritas and plays perfectly alongside the earthy flavors from the tequila as well as the sour taste of lime.
Dekuyper Triple Sec Liqueur
DeKuyper produces a variety of low-cost schnapps and liqueurs, such as the triple sec. It’s a favorite because it’s sweet, but not too sweet, and has just the right amount of citrus for every cocktail from a Margarita to the Cosmopolitan. It’s also available in all places. If you’re looking for a reliable product and not expensive, it’s the best method to take.
“The most important thing to look for in an orange liqueur is the perfect balance between orange aroma and sweetness,” says Emanuele Balestra, area bars director at Le Majestic Hotel and Le Gray d’Albion in Cannes. Also, being aware of the raw ingredients is crucial. “When choosing an orange liqueur, the first thing I look for is the quality of ingredients,” King says. King. “Curacao oranges can be an essential aspect of a truly quality orange liqueur, but the base spirit may, in fact, hold equal weight.” King suggests seeking out orange liqueurs that have the base of brandy or cognac that typically provide “gorgeous character and depth of flavor.”
Bols Triple Sec 30 Proof
Bols is a different Dutch firm behind a low-cost and reliable triple sec, one that is ideal for making a Cosmopolitan. The liqueur has a flavor that is made from Curacao orange peel, as well as various botanicals, bringing it to life with an enticing complexity even at this price.
Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
Made and bottled from the islands of Sicily, the extremely refreshing orange liqueur is made by distilling three small batches in copper stills. It is not made with any coloring additives or corn syrup since the sweetness of the liqueur is the natural sucrose that comes from sugar beets. There are flavors of candied orange blood orange rind as well as a tinge of white blossoms to create a distinctive end. Perfect for solo sipping or Italian-inspired cocktail creations.
Rob Krueger of BAR CHRYSTIE states that the finest orange liqueurs are made with a high-quality spirit base and have a backbone of approximately 40 percent ABV. “From there, you want the liqueur to offer some more complexity, which could be in a few different directions,” Rob Krueger states, citing strong flavors, exotic spices, or herbal components. “But keep in mind that you can’t achieve this without sugar. Orange vodka isn’t it?” the man exclaims.
Rhum Clement Creole Shrubb D’Orange Liqueur
“I love Rhum Clement Creole Shrubb,” says Javelle Taft, bartender of Death & Co. located in New York City. “The sugarcane-based Rum Orange Liquor is an esoteric. It is reminiscent of calamari, a Philippine fruit hybrid. Creole Shrubb has a sour, bitter orange taste up front and a fresh lime zest flavor. It’s versatile enough to be used in cocktails like a Mai Tai but sweet enough to be a perfect addition to the Sidecar as well.”
Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexander
Danilo Bozovic, Author of Barkeep: The Art of Mixology, Bar & Cocktails, explains that when it comes to deciding the best orange liqueur in cocktails, It all boils down to the sweetness of the liqueur (as well as the aromas it creates within the cocktail). Bozovic says that his favorite drink to buy is the Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre. Similar to its budget (and extremely well-known) cousin, Grand Marnier, this unique cuvee is made with a specific assortment of VSOP Cognacs that come from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois as well as Bons Bois, along with an aged liqueur of orange that is stored in Bourg-Charente oak casks. Its predominant flavors include citrus zest, bergamot, and a touch of tea-like herbal notes.
Krueger agrees. “You can’t beat the higher quality that are offered by Grand Marnier. As they rise in value, they become stronger, more smoky, and more sophisticated,” he says. For Bar Chrystie, Krueger uses Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre in the Champagne Boilermaker. It is a Champagne cocktail that combines the dropping of a chilled glass of the liqueur into a bubbling and bubbling glass of Veuve Cliquot, topped with the 24k gold as well as Angostura Bitters.
Senior Orange Curacao
Are you looking to add a splash of color (and taste) to your tropical drinks without costing you a fortune? Senior Orange Curacao might be the perfect choice for you. It is made from Laraha orange peels that are located in the center of the Antilles. The liqueur, which is affordable, is bursting with the flavors of candied orange peels and orange Marmalade.
“At the moment, my favorite cocktail with orange liqueur is the twist on the El Presidente that I created for my menu at Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery,” says Bozovic. His preferred orange liqueur of choice for tropical drinks is the Senior Orange Curacao. “The El Presidente is not only a classic cocktail, it is also very delicious but hard to execute,” Bozovic explains. After many tests and tasting, the recipe he has created includes the following ingredients:1 1/2 1 oz. Brugal 1888 Rum, 3/4 oz. Blanc vermouth, 1/2 oz. dry curacao, 12 1 oz. Molasses, pomegranate, and three dashes of Angostura bitters.
DeKuyper 03 Premium Orange Liqueur
To instantly add a boost to your DeKuyper purchases, take a bottle of This Premium Orange Liqueur. Made from the pulp, juice, and rinds of Brazilian Pera oranges, This liqueur is a delicious blend of citrus, lemon, and exotic fruits. While this liqueur is more toward the sweet part of the spectrum, however, it is perfectly smooth, balanced, and refreshing. We recommend it for cocktail recipes at home; drinking it on its own is bound to satisfy your desire for something sweet and tangy.
Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
“If we’re talking about orange-flavored liqueurs, then Grand Marnier is excellent,” says Nestor Marchand, director of food and beverage at Plunge Beach Resort in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL. “Made with a blend of cognac, distilled essence of bitter orange, and sugar, Grand Marnier is by far the best you can get.”