Triple sec is a favored orange-flavored liqueur that can be found in many of your favorite mixed drinks.
Its citrus flavor is highly unique, and you might not know what it tastes like until you try it.
This article will give an overview of this drink and some information on how to make these delicious cocktails at home.
What is Triple Sec?
Triple sec is a generic name for a type of orange-flavored liqueur.
Triple sec is typically made from brandy, sugar, and distilled water with added natural flavors such as oranges or other citrus fruit juices.
You can find it in most supermarkets or liquor stores near the vodka section at around $14-$15 per bottle.
A 750 ml bottle usually contains 24% alcohol by volume (ABV), but sometimes higher percentages are possible depending on the brand.
It differs from Grand Marnier and Cointreau in that it is a triple-distilled cordial rather than an eau de vie.
The most common variety of Triple Sec in the United States is made by DeKuyper, which has 24 percent ABV.
It is typically mixed with other ingredients to produce cocktails, such as margaritas or cosmopolitans.
Origins & History of Triple Sec
The history of Triple Sec is a story filled with intrigue, espionage, and even magic.
If you’re looking for something new and exciting to enjoy this summer, Triple Sec is a perfect choice.
In fact, in France, they call it “Curaçao”. However, it’s unknown whether or not that is actually where it came from.
The origin of the name “Triple Sec” has been disputed since as early as the 1800s, with some experts attributing the title to a translation of the words “triple dry”.
In contrast, others claim it is a reference to Cointreau’s third elixir formula created in 1849.
The exact year Triple Sec was invented is disputed with two companies claiming credit in the early 1900s.
Regardless, Triple Sec is a beautiful liquor that has been enjoyed for centuries and will continue to be loved by generations to come.
Is Triple Sec Alcohol?
Triples sec is an alcoholic beverage made from distilled beet alcohol, sugar, and orange peels.
The strength of the liqueur can vary between 15% to 40% ABV, but most brands produce triple sec within the higher end of this range.
Triple sec may turn clouded when diluted with water.
The process is called the “ouzo effect,” which happens because oil terpenes are invisible in a solution containing more than 30% alcohol.
Products advertised as the liqueur triple sec and under 30% alcohol by volume can be artificially colored to mask any hazy appearance.
Can You Drink Triple Sec Straight?
Triple sec is an orange-flavored liquor.
It tastes like Orange Crush and can be mixed with vodka to make an OJTini, or other alcohols for different drinks altogether.
You might wonder if it’s possible to drink triple sec straight, but the answer is yes.
A little taste goes a long way when you’re sipping on this fine beverage instead of mixing it in cocktails where there are usually more ingredients added that mask its natural sweetness.
It does not have much bite whatsoever, so don’t worry about feeling any effects from drinking too much.
Triple sec is often mixed with other popular cocktails such as a Long Island iced tea, Cosmopolitan, Kamikaze, and Sidecar.
Does Triple Sec Have Sugar in It?
Yes, the triple sec has sugar in it.
This is because the liqueur imparts a sweet taste to drink that would otherwise be tart or bitter, which means you need sweetness for balance.
The sugar content in Triple Sec can be as high as 10.
9 grams per fl oz, so we can save some carbs by substituting Agave Syrup* for the sugar and replace the Triple Sec with Orange extract.
What Does Triple Sec Do for a Drink?
Triple sec is often used in mixed drinks and cocktails.
It adds complexity to the glass with its citrus notes that are more concentrated than fresh oranges alone can provide.
It also helps prevent drinks from getting too sweet by adding balance colors or flavors like lemon zest or lime peel into your drink recipe mixers.
Depending on the brands, triple sec can be sweetened with cane sugar, corn syrup, or a combination of both.
Some brands are also high in alcohol content and may contain other ingredients such as caramel colorings and artificial flavors.
What Does Triple Sec Taste Like?
Triple sec is a popular drink mixer with many uses, from adding flavor to punches and margaritas or enhancing the sweetness of particular desserts.
While it can be used in cooking, this article will focus on what makes triple sec so tasty.
Triple sec typically consists primarily of orange juice with sugar syrup flavoring, which means you’ll get those delicious citrus notes without all the sourness found in regular OJ.
Triple sec, like Curaçao, is a sweet orange flavored liqueur.
However, unlike Curaçao, triple sec contains only the peel from oranges rather than any other herbs or spices.
Because of this, its flavor is typically less complex, providing only a citrus taste.
Although it is a fruity-tasting spirit, the citrus edge has leanings of an herbaceous quality that remind of neroli and orange blossom.
Triple sec is a drink flavoring that originated in the 18th century.
Back then, it had an overwhelming bitterness and contained less sugar than today’s triple sec does.
It was also stickier to taste and feel on your tongue.
Cointreau Vs. Triple Sec.
Although a common misconception, Cointreau products are not triple sec liqueurs.
Edouard Cointreau coined the term ‘triple sec’ in an advertisement for his product that ran in 1875.
Over time, other triple sec brands were developed.
To keep the family’s brand unique, most members decided to drop mention of it in the early 20th century.
As a result, Cointreau is an authentic triple sec that chooses not to use the name for purely marketing reasons.
This choice is similar to Disaronno, which calls itself “Originale” rather than Amaretto.
How To Drink Triple Sec
Mixing triple sec with a soda will water down its flavor.
A splash of lime juice can provide an excellent balance to the sweetness, but otherwise, you should enjoy this liquor in all its glory.
It’s also worth noting that while Triple Sec was once used mainly for mixing into drinks (and cocktails), recent innovations have allowed us to create liqueurs from this citrus-flavored spirit so that we may enjoy them straight up as well.
Brands like Cointreau and Grand Marnier are known for their orange-flavored liquors, which tend to be more popular than those made with other fruits due to the original invention of Triple Sec.
Serve a shot in an old-fashioned glass for the best presentation (unless it’s just for yourself).
The more sugar that’s on the rim of the glass, usually from soaking some lemon peel in simple syrup first, will balance out all those sour notes even better.
Add something sweet to offset the bitterness: pineapple juice is always a good choice because it has natural sugars and tastes excellent with citrusy flavors like Triple Sec.
A twist of orange also works well, as does lime – try alternating between them every few sips, so you don’t get too bored while drinking.
To mix with alcohol, find a cocktail that doesn’t have too many other competing flavors in it – like your favorite Margarita or Tequila Sour.
How to Store Triple Sec?
Triple sec should be stored in the same way as you store hard liquors, such as tequila.
That means you need to keep it in a cool and dry area, away from sunlight and sources of heat.
The pantry is the perfect spot, but storing it on your kitchen counter or in your living room liquor cabinet works as well.
It would be best if you did not refrigerate triple sec after opening it unless you’re keeping it for a long time, such as during the summer months when your pantry is exposed to sunlight and heat.
Once you open the bottle, the oxidation process starts to do its thing.
In short, oxygen in the air reacts with the alcohol compounds changing the taste of the liqueur.
The best way to slow down this process is to seal it up before putting it away and make sure there isn’t much left when transferring to a smaller bottle.
Conclusion
Triple sec is a delicious orange-flavored liqueur that has been used in cocktails and mixed drinks for decades.
It’s also popular as an ingredient in some fruity desserts, like key lime pie.
If you’ve never tried it before, but are curious to know what triple sec tastes like, now is a perfect time.
What will be your first experience with triple sec? Let us know below.
What Does Triple Sec Taste Like? Does Triple Sec Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Triple Sec
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!