Before mixing that margarita, you'll want to decide between these three: Cointreau vs. triple sec vs. Grand Marnier. Find out how these orange liqueurs differ and when to use each.
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When you’re building up your bar cart or liquor cabinet, you want to stock all the basics like vodka, gin, whiskey and tequila. You’ll also want a few extras to liven up your co*cktail repertoire: bitters, syrups and a few liqueurs—especially orange liqueur.
Orange liqueur—be it Cointreau, triple sec or Grand Marnier—adds complexity and delicious taste to all sorts of drinks like sangria, margaritas and other tropical drinks. Even desserts like trifles, cakes and truffles can benefit from a splash of an orange-flavored tipple. When you’re shopping, though, you might be debating Cointreau vs. triple sec vs. Grand Marnier.
So what’s really the difference between these three and when should you use each?
What Is Triple Sec?
Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that typically has 20 to 40% alcohol by volume. Just like any other spirit, triple sec can vary in price. Bottles tend to start around $7 and better brands will cost $25 or more.
The name comes from the French termsec, which can mean “dry” or “distilled.” To create triple sec, this liqueur is distilled three times—and that’s how you get the name.
Triple sec isn’t a spirit you typically see served on its own; instead, triple sec is more of a supporting player. Triple sec adds a layer of flavor to margaritas, Long Island iced teas and cosmos.
What Is Cointreau?
Cointreau is a specific brand of triple sec made in Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou, France. It’s 40% ABV and is made with several varieties of oranges to give it its signature flavor. Cointreau is bright and slightly acidic without being overly sweet.
You can use this liqueur anytime you see a recipe that calls for triple sec.
What Is Grand Marnier?
Grand Marnier is different from both a basic triple sec and Cointreau. Grand Marnier is a cognac-based orange spirit. As a refresher, cognac is a special type of brandy. Because this liqueur starts with cognac, it’s darker in color than its triple sec cousins, though it has a similar ABV—about 40%.
Grand Marnier sells several different varieties of its spirit, but the most popular—and the one we think of when we ask forGrand Marnier—is Cordon Rouge.
This blend is flavored with Caribbean oranges and has notes of vanilla and a touch of oak. For a spirit, it’s rich and pleasantly sweet. You’ll often see Grand Marnier featured in sweeter co*cktails and many desserts like trifles and tiramisu.
Substituting Orange Liqueurs
Anytime you see a recipe that calls for triple sec, feel free to use that bottle of Cointreau on your bar cart. Similarly, if a co*cktail recipe recommends Cointreau, you can absolutely use whatever brand of triple sec you have on hand instead.
Whether you opt for Cointreau or some other triple sec brand,Catherine Ward in the Taste of Home Test Kitchen says to always keep quality in mind. “Cooking and baking with a cheap, acidic or bitter spirit will add those flavor attributes to your recipe,” she says.
So when you’re mixing up a pitcher of margaritas for your next party, don’t settle for the bottle on the bottom shelf. “Good quality triple sec will enhance the flavor of the recipe,” per Catherine.
When Not to Substitute
Because triple sec and Grand Marnier are different liqueurs, you may want to think twice about swapping one for the other. Grand Marnier offers a richer, sweeter flavor that triple sec just doesn’t have.
If you think that Grand Marnier’s flavors will work with your recipe in lieu of triple sec (or vice versa), go ahead and give it a go! After all, these liqueurs are both orange-forward and will do nicely.
