Best Triple Sec for Margaritas (2024)

What’s the best triple sec for margaritas? Here’s a quick guide to understanding orange liqueurs and how to choose the best bottle.

Looking for a great triple sec to mix into co*cktails? Orange liqueurs can be overwhelming: type “buy triple sec” as an internet search and there are infinite options. To make matters worse, the terminology is confusing: for example, Cointreau is a also a Triple Sec! What’s the best triple sec for margaritas? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the right orange liqueur for this classic co*cktail.

Triple Sec is both a liquor and a category

Let’s clear this up first. Triple Sec is a word used to describe a specific liquor and a family of orange liqueurs. Confusing, right? 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 family of orange liqueurs is Curacao, which are sweeter (and sometimes blue, in the case of the Blue Margarita!).
• Triple Sec is also the name for a product. In most liquor stores, bottles labeled Triple Sec are lower in quality and more affordable than something like Cointreau, which is a higher end Triple Sec.

That said, this list of best Triple Secs will more broadly be a list of dry orange liqueurs that work well in a margarita!

Types of Triple Sec

Since Triple Sec is a category, you’ll see there are various types of Triple Sec you can use in your margarita. Here are the top choices and their flavor differences:

• Triple Sec has a straightforward flavor: it’s very citrusy, almost like an orange-infused vodka
• Cointreau tastes balanced between bitter and sweet, with warm spices that add complexity and nuance. It has a fragrant aroma and a smooth, clean finish.
• Grand Marnier is a Curacao/Triple Sec hybrid. It’s the most expensive and full of rich, developed flavor and intrigue from Cognac.

Best Triple Sec for margaritas: a quick guide!

Now that we’ve cleared that up: let’s get to the Triple Sec! Here are a few pointers around what to buy:

1. Top choice: Cointreau. Cointreau is great for margaritas because it’s very smooth: it brings in notes of warm spices and a citrus perfume. If your budget allows: opt for Cointreau!
2. Second choice: any mid-priced Triple Sec, like Drillaud.Price does indicate quality. Look for 750 ml bottles that are in the $12 to $15 range. Avoid the brand DeKuyper. We like the brand Drillaud Triple Sec.
3. Splurge choice: Grand Marnier. Grand Marnier is a top-shelf orange liqueur that makes a sophisticated margarita. Make it with Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge.

Classic margarita recipe

Of course, we couldn’t leave you without a recipe! Scroll down for our classic margarita recipe using Drillaud Triple Sec. Or, opt for our Cointreau Margarita or Grand Marnier Margarita.

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More Triple Sec co*cktails

There are so many great Triple Sec co*cktails! Try these greats:

• Opt for the classic Cosmopolitan
• Go for a Triple Sec Sidecar
• Try the delicious Long Island Iced Tea
• Add it into Red Sangria