Triple Sec
Triple sec is a colorless, sweet orange-flavored liqueur used primarily as a cocktail ingredient. It adds a touch of sweetness and citrus flavor to drinks.
The name "triple sec" means "triple dry" in French, referring to the very dry, sugar-sweetened nature of the liqueur. It is made by soaking orange peels in neutral spirit to extract oils, then sweetening with sugar syrup.
Popular brands of triple sec include Cointreau, Combier, and Grand Marnier. Cointreau has the highest orange oil content, giving it a concentrated orange flavor. Combier has more sweetness. Grand Marnier has added cognac for body.
In cocktails, triple sec accentuates citrus and fruity flavors. It is a key ingredient in margaritas, Long Island Iced Teas, Kamikazes, and Cosmopolitans. Just a splash adds orange essence without overpowering other liquors.
Compared to curaçaos which use laraha citrus, triple secs have a cleaner, fresher orange taste. But both work similarly to lift and blend citrus notes in cocktails. When used judiciously, triple sec can balance, bind, and enhance many mixed drinks.