Cointreau Vs Triple Sec : What's The Difference? - Platings + Pairings

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Erin Lynch

Updated:

February 4, 2023

5 from 1 vote

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Cointreau vs Triple Sec: what’s the difference? Both are orange liqueurs, but they do have their differences. Find out when to use Cointreau and when to use Triple Sec. Can you swap one for the other?

Bottle of cointreau next to bottle of triple sec with text overlay.

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Cointreau vs Triple Sec: what’s the difference? These orange liqueurs are used in many popular drinks. So, which one should you use in your favorite cocktail recipes?

Which one makes a perfect Margarita?

Which tastes better in a Cosmopolitan Cocktail?

Here’s everything you need to know:

What are the main differences?

Cointreau and Triple Sec are both orange liqueurs. In fact, Cointreau is a type of Triple Sec. But, there are a few key differences:

Triple Sec

What is it?: Triple Sec is a clear, dry, strongly-flavored orange liqueur. In most cases, it is made from unripened orange peels that are steeped in a base spirit derived from sugar beets.
Flavor: Triple Sec has a straightforward, strong citrus flavor.
Price: Triple Sec is an inexpensive liqueur. There are many different brand name choices. But, on average, a 750 ml bottle costs between $10-$15 at the liquor store.
Alcohol content: 15% to 30% ABV

Cointreau

What is it?: Cointreau (pronounced KWAN-troh) is a clear, premium orange liqueur made from sweet and bitter orange peels. It is a good quality brand of triple sec. The name Cointreau translates to triple dry in French.
Flavor: Cointreau has notes of warm spices and has a nice balance between sweet and bitter. It is more complex than a standard Triple Sec, and has a smoother, clean finish. Because of this, it is sometimes consumed as an apéritif or digestif.
Price: Cointreau is more expensive than Triple Sec. A 750ml bottle costs between $30-35.
Alcohol content: Cointreau is higher in alcohol than Triple Sec, 40% ABV.

In summary:

Cointreau has a more balanced, well rounded flavor than Triple Sec, which tends to simply taste strongly of sweet oranges. Cointreau has a smoother finish and is a bit higher in alcohol. It is also more expensive. But, it makes the perfect margarita.

Cointreau vs Triple Sec: when to use them?

Because Triple Sec is less expensive, but also less complex, I tend to reserve it for those times when I’m making blended drinks, which tend to dilute the flavor of the alcohol that you’re using.
Cointreau is more expensive, but also has a more complex, smooth flavor. I use it in most of my cocktail recipes (rather than Triple Sec), especially when I’m serving a drink that is served straight up – like this Cosmopolitan.

Cointreau and Triple Sec Cocktails

Which popular cocktails use Cointreau or Triple Sec? Here are a few famous Cointreau cocktails and Triple Sec drinks to try out:

Cosmopolitan Cocktail – This fruity and fun Cosmopolitan Cocktail is legendary for good reason! Made with vodka, cranberry juice, and cointreau, the tart and citrusy flavors are delightfully refreshing and dangerously easy to drink.
Mai Tai – This classic Mai Tai is a Hawaiian favorite. This simple drink recipe comes with easy instructions for making a single cocktail or a pitcher – perfect for parties!
Spicy Grapefruit Margarita – This Grapefruit Spicy Margarita recipe is perfect for sipping on summer days! Made with just 5-ingredients!
Grilled Pineapple Margarita – This Grilled Pineapple Margarita is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy & smoky. Caramelized pineapple, spicy jalapeno & a splash of vanilla make it delicious.
MORE → 29+ Cointreau Cocktail Recipes
MORE → 15+ BEST Triple Sec Cocktails

Hand holding cosmo cocktail in coupe glass. — Cosmopolitan

What about Grand Marnier? Read more about that here.

What about Orange Curacao? Read more about that here.

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Full Recipe

Cointreau vs Triple Sec

The BEST Cosmopolitan Cocktail recipe! Tart, tangy & delicious. Made with vodka, cranberry juice, lime & cointreau or triple sec. 5 from 1 vote Print Pin Serves 1 cocktail Created by Platings and Pairings Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment

Cocktail Shaker

1x2x3x

Ingredients

▢ 1 ½ ounces vodka (or citron vodka)
▢ ¾ ounce 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
▢ ¾ ounce Cointreau (triple sec or Grand Marnier)
▢ ½ ounce lime juice
▢ 1 teaspoon simple syrup (¼ oz.)

To Garnish:

▢ Lime wheel

Instructions

Place the vodka, cranberry juice, cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake 30 seconds.
Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel, if desired.

Nutrition

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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