Looking for Triple Sec drinks? From the classic Margarita to a bright pink Cosmo, these Triple Sec cocktails star the bright, citrusy flavor of this popular orange liqueur.
Got a bottle of Triple Sec on hand? This orange liqueur makes a Margarita a margarita, and turns cranberry juice and vodka into a classic Cosmo.
I’ve been mixing Triple Sec drinks for years, and what I love about this liqueur is its versatility. You can add a splash to crowd pleasers like sangria, or mix up a retro classic like the Sidecar. Here are the most popular Triple Sec cocktails I keep coming back to.
10 Popular Triple Sec Cocktails
The Cosmo is one of the most iconic Triple Sec drinks for a reason: it's gorgeous, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. It’s got a brilliant pink color and tangy flavor. Likely invented in the 1970's, it's gone on to become a modern classic.
Ingredients: Vodka or citron vodka, cranberry juice, Triple sec, lemon
The Margarita is arguably the most popular Triple sec cocktail in the world! After testing dozens of variations, I keep returning to this one. The tequila, fresh lime, and Triple Sec make a balance of sweet, tart, and citrus that makes a Margarita a Margarita.
Ingredients: Tequila. lime juice, Triple Sec
Another timeless classic cocktail that uses Triple Sec is the Sidecar! This drink is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, with just the right edge from the boozy Cognac. It’s a layered drink: warm, crisp, dry, rich, and full at the same time.
Ingredients: Cognac, Triple Sec, lemon juice
There’s not much better than a fruity glass of red sangria! Sangria is easily done wrong here in the US, loading it with sugar or ginger ale. But the classic Spanish way to make it is all about nuanced flavor. It’s bold, it’s fruity, and the perfect balance of dry and sweet. Triple Sec adds a citrus essence.
Ingredients: Orange, lemon, green apple, sugar, dry red wine, brandy, Triple Sec
Think of this as the Cosmo's fruitier sibling. This Triple Sec cocktail swaps cranberry for pomegranate juice, making a crisp, sweet-tart drink that looks stunning in a martini glass. I actually prefer it to a Cosmo because the fruity flavor is more nuanced.
Ingredients: Vodka, pomegranate juice, Triple Sec, lemon juice, simple syrup
Here's a unique Triple Sec drink: the Pegu Club! It’s a classic 1920’s drink invented at, as the name suggests, the Pegu Club. This boozy drink is sophisticated and refreshing, with a citrus and herbal finish.
Ingredients: Gin, Triple Sec, lime juice, Angostura and orange bitters
I know the Long Island Iced Tea has a reputation, but made properly with fresh citrus instead of sour mix, it's a different drink! This Triple Sec cocktail blends five spirits into something surprisingly more sophisticated than you might expect.
Ingredients: Vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, cola
This Triple Sec cocktail is a little sassy: a spin on the classic Sidecar that features rum and Cognac together. It's something that in Prohibition times was thought to be a little rebellious, hence the name! The rum adds nuance to this citrusy drink, and it’s a great sour cocktail that goes down easy.
Ingredients: Cognac, rum, Triple Sec, lemon juice
The White Lady is a classic 1920's Triple Sec cocktail that’s part of the sour cocktails family: mixed drinks made of liquor, citrus, and sweetener. It’s a gin version of a Sidecar, bright, citrusy, and silky smooth, often served with an egg white foam.
Ingredients: Gin, Triple sec, lemon juice, egg white
Here's my trick for a better mimosa: add a small splash of Triple Sec! The orange liqueur rounds out the acidity of the orange juice and Prosecco, and makes a brunch cocktail that's tart, bubbly, and just the right amount of sweet.
Ingredients: Orange juice, Prosecco, Triple Sec
What is Triple Sec?
All the Triple Sec cocktails above use the product you can buy with that name. But Triple Sec is also a word used to describe a specific liquor and a family of orange liqueurs. Here’s what to know:
- Triple Sec is the name for a category of dry orange liqueurs: it translates to “triple dry” in French. The other major family of orange liqueurs is Curaçao, which are sweeter (and sometimes blue, like in these Blue Curacao cocktails!). Within the Triple Sec category, you’ll find a wide range of quality and price: check out my guide to Cointreau vs Triple Sec.
- Triple Sec is also the name for a product. In most liquor stores, bottles labeled Triple Sec are typically more affordable than something like Cointreau, which is a higher end Triple Sec. Either works well in these cocktails, though I’ve found Cointreau adds a bit more depth so I generally prefer that over a bottle labeled “Triple Sec”. My guide to the best Triple Sec for Margaritas covers all the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cointreau is the most common substitute and works in any of these recipes. Grand Marnier is another option, though it’s sweeter and has a brandy base – and is more expensive. For more details, check out my Triple Sec substitute guide.
Not exactly. Cointreau is a premium brand of Triple Sec: they’re in the same family, but Cointreau has a higher alcohol content and more refined orange flavor. See my Cointreau vs Triple Sec guide.
Triple Sec does contain alcohol, so it’s not ideal for mocktails. However, a small splash added to sparkling water or lemonade can add a nice orange flavor if you’re okay with a small amount of alcohol.
For everyday mixing, a standard Triple Sec works great. For cocktails where the orange liqueur shines (like the Sidecar or Cosmo), I’d recommend using Cointreau. See my guide to best Triple Sec for Margaritas.
More Cocktail Recipes
Here are some of my favorite cocktail recipes for every occasion:
- Classics: Try classic cocktails or my top 40 cocktail recipes everyone should know.
- Easy: These easy mixed drinks and cheap drinks have just 2 to 3 ingredients.
- For Parties: Go for craft cocktails or upscale drinks.
- By Spirit: Try my top cocktails with gin, vodka, whiskey, tequila or rum.
Let us know if you have any questions!