Summertime is quickly approaching and it’s the perfect time for gatherings and cold drinks. One of the most refreshing cold drinks, particularly for gatherings, is a nice big pitcher of ice-cold margaritas.
Margaritas can be made in so many different ways. Everyone uses their own varieties and some people use a pre-made mix rather than mixing up their own. The best way to get the flavors just how you like them is to mix your own with the very best ingredients.
For the perfect margarita, you need triple sec to add to your mix. But what is the best triple sec for margaritas? There are so many options out there, and they don’t all taste the same. We recommend Mr. Stack’s Triple Sec because it has the perfect orange blend flavor and it is USA-made.
In this guide, we will walk you through our favorite options for the best triple sec for margaritas. We know there are many options out there so we’ve sorted through the options to present you with a good variety of brands that you can look for at your local liquor store.
Keep reading to learn all about the best triple sec for margaritas and more!
The Absolute Best Triple Sec for Margaritas
If you’re not a seasoned margarita maker, you probably think that all you need is tequila and margarita mix. But the best margaritas are made when you mix everything yourself. It can take some practice and testing to truly make a great margarita but we have some tips for you.
Typically, a margarita is made with lime juice (fresh limes are always best), triple sec, and white tequila. These can be done in various proportions but the perfect margarita will get those portions just right.
Of course, margaritas can also have other fruit flavors in them. The traditional margarita is lime but it’s not unusual to find flavors like mango, strawberry, peach, watermelon, and many others.
How Margaritas Are Made
To give you a general idea of the overall process for margaritas and why you need a good triple sec, we wanted to share with you a simple margarita recipe. This recipe is by no means the only solution for a good margarita but it will give you an idea of ratios and fluidity.
The measurements here are for one single margarita.
- For this margarita, you need lime, ice, salt (for the rim), white (silver) tequila, triple sec, and a glass.
- Start by moistening the rim of your glass, the lime wedge works great. Then dip the rim of the glass in your salt. It’s much easier to apply your salt before you start mixing.
- Place ice in the glass in the amount you prefer. You can also pre-chill your glass in the freezer.
- In a cocktail shaker, mix together 2 ounces of tequila with 1 1/2 ounces of triple sec and 1 ounce of fresh lime juice. Add ice as well.
- Shake the mixture vigorously until the cool of the ice begins to frost the shaker.
- Strain into your prepared glass and enjoy.
It’s really very simple to make delicious margaritas and you can use whatever your go-to tequila is for the mixture. Remember that other flavors can be added and this is just a recommendation for the measurements.
The Best Triple Sec: Ranked and Reviewed
Undoubtedly, if you’re going to make margaritas of any kind, you need a good triple sec. Triple sec is interchangeable with Curacao. It’s a liqueur. It has no color and has a sweet orange flavor to it.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mr. Stacks Triple Sec | 30% ABV, USA-made |
| 2. | Drillaud Triple Sec | Subtle and sweet, made in France |
| 3. | Cointreau Triple Sec | 40% ABV, bittersweet, strong |
| 4. | Finest Call Premium Triple Sec Syrup | Non-alcoholic, natural ingredients |
| 5. | DeKuyper Triple Sec Liqueur | 24% ABV, reliable quality |
| 6. | Vita Divine Triple Sec | Extra sweet, smooth |
Here are our favorite triple secs reviewed.
1. Mr. Stacks Triple Sec
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This triple sec option is a brand you might not be able to find just anywhere but if your local liquor store carries it, be sure to jump on the chance to try it.
It’s made and distributed in the USA and it is amazing flavor-wise.
The most common size to purchase it in is 750 ml. This triple sec is 60 proof.
It is made with Curacao-grown orange peels and it’s the perfect mix of sweet citrus for any of your mixed drinks that are meant to be sweet.
Pros:
- USA-made option
- Made with Curacao orange peels
- 30% ABV
- Available in varying sizes
Cons:
- Can sometimes be hard to find
2. Drillaud Triple Sec
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Drillaud comes from the French, much like it sounds. We all know anything from the French is well-made and this triple sec meets the requirements.
It’s also not terribly priced considering the quality of the product.
This option is both strong and elegant with a unique balance of orange and orange peel that brings the perfect sweet flavor to your mixed drinks.
This triple sec won’t overwhelm your drink with its subtle hint of sweet flavor.
Pros:
- Subtle and sweet
- French-made
- Well-balanced concoction
Cons:
- Can sometimes be hard to locate
3. Cointreau Triple Sec
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Cointreau is by definition not considered triple sec but it is the same concept. It’s slightly stronger in alcohol level so that’s something to be aware of. This is one of the highest recommended additions for margaritas.
Cointreau is made with sweet and bitter orange peels as well as sugar beet alcohol to make a unique concentration all its own.
It is an orange liqueur and it makes a delicious addition to any margarita or sweet mixed drink.
Pros:
- Unique blend unmatched by other options
- Higher alcohol content
- Mixes sweet and bitter orange peel
- Dark liqueur with a stronger flavor
Cons:
- Higher alcohol content could affect drink ratio
- Dark liqueur could affect the color and flavor of drink
4. Finest Call Premium Triple Sec Syrup
If you’re looking for the flavor with either reduced alcohol or no alcohol at all, this syrup is a great option. It has all of the best qualities about triple sec but without the alcohol.
This is a flavored syrup only, which is why you can find it available to purchase online.
This syrup has a very sweet orange flavor. It is made with natural orange extract.
It is consistent every single time with a sweet, delicious flavor. Each bottle is also equipped with a perfect pour top that lets you pour with no mess.
Pros:
- Non-alcohol option
- Equipped with easy pour spout
- Made with natural ingredients
- Very well made with no juice additives
Cons:
- The no alcohol might affect your drink ratios
- The flavor is blander than traditional triple sec
5. DeKuyper Triple Sec Liqueur
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DeKuyper is perhaps one of the most well-known and highest sold brands of triple sec. This is a very common brand and it is a reliable source of triple sec for your margaritas.
This brand has been around for more than 300 years. It is well-made with a distinct orange flavor and reliable quality and availability.
This is 48 proof so it has decent strength. It’s used everywhere for mixed drinks.
Pros:
- Reliable quality
- Made by a well-known and trusted brand
- 24% ABV
Cons:
- No special qualities, simple run of the mill option
6. Vita Divine Triple Sec
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Vita Divine is another common brand that is well-made. It’s easier to find than some of the specialty options, on the same price line as DeKuyper. This triple sec is nice and smooth and has a very sweet flavor.
This option is USA-made.
It has been triple distilled and the orange flavor is strong and sweet. It’s good for margaritas if you like them sweet but also good for cordials, shots, and dessert options.
Pros:
- Extra sweet
- Very smooth
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Might be too sweet for some people
Related Questions
We hope that you find this guide to the best triple sec for margaritas to be an informative resource that lends you plenty of options for your margarita needs. There is even a non-alcohol option for those who need to go that route.
We invite you to review the following question and answer section for some additional information that may be helpful to you.
Why is Triple Sec Necessary?
The sweetness of triple sec takes away some of the “bite” that might come from any alcoholic beverage.
Triple sec completes a margarita. It rounds out the flavors, sweetening the mixture, and is a necessary addition for a well-balanced drink.
How Much Alcohol is in Triple Sec?
The level of alcohol in triple sec can range depending on the brand. Most triple sec options contain somewhere between 15 and 40%, although 40% is on the high-side for traditional triple sec options.
Can I Mix Triple Sec with Other Types of Alcohol?
Triple sec is used in a number of mixed drink varieties. It can be mixed with other alcohol types besides tequila.
Bourbon, rum, and vodka are all also popular combinations that mix well with any triple sec of your choice. Don’t limit yourself!
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