Don’t have this orange liqueur? Here’s the best Triple Sec substitute to use in cocktails like the margarita and beyond.
Making a cocktail that calls for Triple Sec and don’t have it? Don’t worry, there are few options that are perfectly suited as a substitution.
Triple Sec refers to a dry style of orange liqueur. “Sec” means dry in French, so some say the name means “triple dry” or “triple distilled.” The term can be used to refer to a style of dry orange liqueurs as a category. But most often it refers to a lower-quality generic orange liqueur.
Best Triple Sec Substitute
Don’t have it? You’re in luck: there are several options for a great Triple Sec substitute that are easy to find:
1. Cointreau
The best Triple Sec substitute? Cointreau. In fact, Cointreau is considered a type of triple sec style orange liqueur. But it’s higher quality than what you’ll find labeled as “triple sec” in a liquor store. Cointreau has an orange perfume flavor that’s well balanced between bitter and sweet, while Triple Sec can have a more harsh flavor. Cointreau is the perfect Triple Sec substitute for margaritas and beyond.
Not sure whether to grab a bottle? There are loads of Cointreau drinks like the Perfect Margarita, Margarita Variations, Sidecar, Cosmopolitan and more.
2. Grand Marnier
Another great Triple Sec substitute? Grand Marnier. Grand Marnier is a French orange liqueur that blends Cognac, bitter orange and sugar. The bottle you’ll typically see is actually called Cordon Rouge: that’s the Grand Marnier brand’s most popular product. Grand Marnier is like a high-end version of Triple Sec: you’ll find it makes your drinks even better.
Ready to grab a bottle? You can make great Grand Marnier Cocktails like the Cadillac Margarita, El Presidente, and more.
3. Orange Curaçao
A final Triple Sec substitute? Orange Curaçao. Curaçao is the original orange liqueur: in fact, Triple Sec was originally called Curaçao triple sec and is considered a type of Curaçao liqueur. How’s that for confusing? If you can find Orange Curaçao, it’s a great match.
Keep in mind: Curaçao is also sold in a Blue Curaçao variety, which is used in drinks like the Blue Hawaii and Blue Lagoon. Don’t use Blue Curaçao instead of Triple Sec unless you’re ok with it turning your drink a funky color!
4. Any orange liqueur
If the bottle says orange liqueur, it will work. Use 1:1 and taste before adding more.
5. Non-alcoholic Triple Sec
This is a zero-proof substitute that works as a 1:1 substitute in margaritas and Cosmo’s, along with another non-alcoholic liquor substitute. Some popular brands are Lyre’s orange sec and Giffard Non-Alcoholic Triple Sec.
6. Orange juice plus agave
In a pinch, for 1 ounce triple sec, you can use use 1 ounce fresh orange juice plus ½ teaspoon agave. This works well in a margarita for a lighter drink.
