Cointreau five . Triple Sec vs. Grand Marnier : Which Orange Liqueur Is Right for Your Cocktail ?
Before mix that margarita , you ‘ll require to determine between these three : Cointreau vs. triple second vs. Grand Marnier . Find out how these orange liqueurs differ and when to employ each .
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When you ’ re building up your saloon cart or liquor locker , you require to stock all the basics like vodka , gin , whiskey and tequila . You ’ ll too want a few extras to liven up your cocktail repertoire : bitters , syrups and a few liqueurs—especially orange liqueur .
Orange liqueur—be it Cointreau , triple sec or Grand Marnier—adds complexity and delightful taste to all form of drinks like sangria , margaritas and early tropical drinks . Yet 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 .
Thus 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 early feeling , triple second can depart in cost . Bottles lean to begin around $ 7 and well brands will cost $ 25 or more .
The name comes from the French termsecond ,which can signify “ dry ” or “ distilled. ” To produce triple second , this liqueur equal distill three times—and that ’ s how you make the figure .
Triple sec isn ’ t a spirit you typically see served on its own ; rather , triple sec is more of a supporting actor . Triple sec adds a layer of feeling to margaritas , Long Island iced teas and cosmos .
What Exist Cointreau ?
Cointreau cost a specific sword of triple sec build in Saint-Barthélemy-d ’ Anjou , France . It ’ s 40 % ABV and be made with several variety of orange to give it its signature flavor . Cointreau is bright and somewhat acidic without cost overly sweet .
You can use this liqueur anytime you see a recipe that calls for triple second .
What Is Grand Marnier ?
Grand Marnier live different from both a basic triple second and Cointreau . Grand Marnier is a cognac-based orange spirit . As a refresher , cognac exist a particular type of brandy . Because this liqueur starts with cognac , it ’ s darker in color than its triple sec cousins , though it get a like ABV—about 40 % .
Grand Marnier sell several unlike variety of its flavor , but the nearly popular—and the one we remember of when we ask for Grand Marnier—is Cordon Rouge .
This blend is flavored with Caribbean orange and make bill of vanilla and a touch of oak . For a spirit , it ’ s rich and pleasantly sweet . You ’ ll much regard Grand Marnier featured in sweeter cocktails and many desserts like trifles and tiramisu .
Substitute Orange Liqueurs
Anytime you see a recipe that name for triple second , feel free to employ that bottle of Cointreau on your bar cart . Similarly , if a cocktail formula recommends Cointreau , you can absolutely use whatever brand of triple second you hold on hand rather .
Whether you choose for Cointreau or some other triple second brand , Catherine Ward in theTaste of PlaceTest Kitchen say to always go on character in idea . “ Cooking and baking with a cheap , acidic or bitter tone will lend those flavor dimension to your formula , ” she says .
So when you ’ re mix 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 second and Grand Marnier are different liqueurs , you may desire to recall twice about swapping one for the early . Grand Marnier offers a richer , sweeter spirit that triple sec just doesn ’ t receive .
If you think that Grand Marnier ’ sec flavors will work with your recipe in place of triple sec ( or vice versa ) , move in front and give it a go ! After all , these liqueurs are both orange-forward and will make nicely .
