Top 10 Best Triple Sec To Buy Online: More Than Just Cointreau

1. Cointreau

We admit that it’s not particularly creative of us to feature Cointreau as our number-one choice of triple sec. However, despite having dropped “triple sec” from its label since the early 20th century, it’s still synonymous with the beverage.

Indeed, when mixologists talk about triple sec in their recipes, they’re likely referring to Cointreau. It’s practically an industry standard and every cocktail enthusiast should probably have a bottle in his or her drinks cabinet.

That being said, it’s far from the only triple sec and if you’re looking for original alternatives that may add a unique twist to your concoctions, read on! As a side note, the bottle featured in the photo above is the standard version but with a limited edition label designed by Vincent Darré.

2. Combier l’Original Liqueur d’Orange

While Cointreau is easily the most popular and successful triple sec, it’s often argued that Combier was the first to develop the French Curaçao variation. Although Cointreau is now a giant, Combier remains a humble family-owned artisanal distiller.

Combier was first developed by confectioner Jean-Baptiste Combier and his wife Josephine Destre from the back of his shop. The recipe first finalised in 1834 remains unchanged and continues to feature bitter oranges imported from the Caribbean without any colourings or flavours.

Based in the Loire Valley, it continues to follow traditional techniques from hand zesting the orange peels to using its original alembic copper stills. Interestingly, the still room’s structure was actually designed by Gustave Eiffel’s very own engineers!

3. Fair! Kumquat Liqueur

Fair! is an Anglo-French company that was founded around a decade ago with the goal of specialising in Fair-Trade certified liqueurs. Its Kumquat liqueur is a contemporary interpretation of triple sec, but doesn’t officially identify itself as such.

If you’re not familiar with them, kumquats are small, oval citrus fruits. Their thick skin is quite bitter while the pulp is exceedingly sour. However, they’re extremely aromatic and when expertly steeped in alcohol, they can produce a refreshing and unique beverage.

While the price may seem much cheaper compared to other options, bear in mind that it’s only available in a 375 ml bottle. Nevertheless, we believe that Fair! offers excellent value, especially given that it’s still around the same price point as the others.

4. Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao

Despite its appearance and the fact that it’s produced on the grounds of the 18th century Château de Bonbonnet, Pierre Ferrand was first founded in 1989. Maison Ferrand embraces and seeks to preserve the cultural heritage of France’s alcohol spirits.

For this reason, its triple sec was named “Dry Curaçao” as a nod to some of the original terms used for the beverage when it was first produced in France. Maison Ferrand founder Alexandre Gabriel and cocktail historian David Wondrich collaborated on this unique triple sec.

It’s produced following a somewhat similar process to Grand Marnier featured below where the orange peels are steeped in cognac. Therefore, it offers a somewhat more mature and complex experience. Yet, it clearly labels itself as a triple sec rather than a cognac liqueur.

5. Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier is a celebrated liqueur that is often associated with triple sec. However, it does not identify as triple sec but instead orange cognac liqueur. Like Pierre Ferrand above, it is produced by using cognac as its base, which results in a unique flavour.

In our guide to triple sec, we detail how Grand Marnier is made and how it differs from your average triple sec. In short, orange peels are steeped in newly-distilled eau-de-vie heads and tails before being distilled again.

Like Pierre Ferrand, it is then matured in cognac barrels but Grand Marnier likely undergoes a longer ageing process. As a result, it’s a remarkably intricate alternative to triple sec, which can easily be sipped neat.

6. Bols Triple Sec

Until triple sec came along, the Dutch were having an Amsterdam good time with their Curaçao. That said, triple sec arguably didn’t replace Curaçao but simply made the family larger. While there’s still demand for Curaçao, it’s not surprising that the brand that is often credited with its creation also produces a triple sec.

If you have no idea what we’re talking about, check out our section on triple sec’s history and origins.

Bols may not be our favourite triple sec, but it deserves credit for its achievements. Furthermore, it’s exceedingly affordable at just around $10 for 75cl. Therefore, if you’re making cocktails on a budget, it’s a solid choice.

What particularly interesting about Bols triple sec is that it’s available at 15%, 21%, and 30% ABV. Therefore, you can choose the one that best suits your needs with the cocktails you wish to prepare.

7. Giffard Parfait Triple Sec

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the distillery locations for each triple sec, you’ll probably have started to notice that many are based around the Loire Valley. Indeed, most are clustered towards the west of France, which is probably why a few have spilled into the neighbouring cognac region, too.

Giffard is another heritage distillery whose first claim to fame was a white mint liqueur that proved particularly successful during a heatwave in 1885. Initially a pharmacy, its founder Émile Giffard quickly converted the establishment into a distillery when he discovered its popularity.

Today, Giffard continues to operate as a fifth-generation family business. Its portfolio has expanded to include a variety of other liqueurs, which includes an excellent premium triple sec.

8. Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur

Another liqueur that isn’t officially triple sec but is often referred to as one, Solerno is produced using the pulp of Sicilian blood oranges rather than dried peels. While it’s often marketed as a Sicilian product, it’s actually produced at the William Grant & Sons Girvan distillery alongside Hendrick’s Gin.

However, don’t let that distract you from its qualities. Solerno delivers an oily palate of bold citrus notes with tangy acidity and restrained bitterness. If you want something that is a little zestier, it’s well worth trying out.

9. Lazzaroni Triplo

Often credited for having created amaretto, Lazzaroni is an independent family-run brand with a diverse range of alcoholic spirits. From grappa and sambuca to fruit liqueurs, it offers an excellent choice.

As you may have gathered, triple sec doesn’t have an appellation nor does it need to follow a specific process for brands to adopt the name. However, Lazzaroni’s Triplo respects the French tradition by producing an authentic specimen.

10. Luxardo Triplum

Like Lazzaroni, Luxardo is a heritage family-operated Italian distillery. Its signature beverage is its maraschino cherry liqueur that it continues to produce despite having faced multiple challenges throughout its history.

Luxardo has chosen to adopt the origin story that triple sec should be made from three different types of citrus peel. Therefore, it is made using mandarines, sweet oranges, and bitter oranges. However, it adds orange blossoms for an extra herbaceous hint.

Furthermore, Luxardo’s triple sec is aged in Finnish ash wood barrels. Therefore, it also offers a hint of complexity that can help add an original twist to your cocktails.