triple sec
Triple sec contains minimal nutritional value beyond its alcohol content (approximately 35-40% ABV); it is used in small quantities and provides no significant vitamins, minerals, or macronutrients in typical serving sizes.
About
Triple sec is a clear, colorless liqueur derived from the dried peel of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), a hybrid citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. The name "triple sec" derives from the French tradition of triple distillation or, alternatively, from the triple pressing of orange peels used in its production, though modern production varies. The liqueur is characterized by its transparent appearance, bright citrus aroma, and dry to medium-dry palate with pronounced orange flavors and a warming alcohol finish. The alcohol content typically ranges from 35 to 40 percent by volume. Major producers include Curaçao (the island origin of the original Dutch variant), France, and other European regions, each contributing distinct flavor profiles based on local production techniques and orange peel sources.
Culinary Uses
Triple sec is primarily employed as a mixer and flavoring agent in cocktails, where it contributes citrus complexity and subtle sweetness without overpowering other ingredients. It is a foundational ingredient in the Margarita, Sidecar, Daiquiri variations, and numerous other mixed drinks spanning classic, modern, and tropical categories. Beyond cocktails, triple sec serves in culinary applications as a flavoring element in desserts, glazes, and baking, where its volatile aromatic compounds add citrus notes to dishes. The liqueur pairs effectively with spirits such as tequila, rum, vodka, and brandy, and complements both sweet and savory preparations in moderate quantities.
Recipes Using triple sec (42)
Agent Orange
A Bourbon drink.
Anchors Away
A Bourbon drink.
Anna's Wish
A rum drink.
Apple Mule
Apple Mule from the Recidemia collection
Avorita
Avorita from the Recidemia collection
Bahama Margarita
Bahama Margarita from the Recidemia collection
Barbados Punch
Wiki.com/Barbados_Punch Barbados Punch from Recipes Wiki—original source of recipe, licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License Serves: 1
Barbecued Fish Margarita
Barbecued Fish Margarita from the Recidemia collection
Basin Street
A Bourbon drink.
Basin Street Blues
A Bourbon drink.
Blueberry Margarita Slush
Blueberry Margarita Slush from the Recidemia collection
Boston Trolley
A rum drink
California Avocado Daiquiri
California Avocado Daiquiri from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado Margarita Chiffon Pie
California Avocado Margarita Chiffon Pie from the Recidemia collection
Casa Blanca
A rum drink
Cat's Acapulco
Cat's Acapulco from the Recidemia collection
Chelsea Hotel
Chelsea Hotel from the Recidemia collection
Chinese Cocktail
A rum drink
Commando Cocktail
A Bourbon drink.
Cranberry Margarita
Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]
Daytona Rolling Thunder
A Bourbon drink.
Drum Cocktail
Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]
Eccentric Elmer
The Eccentric Elmer is a relatively smooth bourbon cocktail, sweet with a hint of bitterness. Note that it is important to use cranberry juice cocktail, not cranberry juice.
Gee Estate Frozen Margaritas
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Gee Estate in Quinlan, Texas in 1994.
Jullionaire
A Bourbon drink.
Kamikaze
Kamikaze from the Recidemia collection
Lavender Margaritas
.
Mango Chimichangas
Mango Chimichangas from the Recidemia collection
Marguarita
Marguarita from the Recidemia collection
Parisian Blonde
Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]
Pineapple Margarita
This recipe came from the family collection of the Decker Estate in Elmo, Texas.
Pisco-Rita
Pisco-Rita from the Recidemia collection
Rebel Yell
A Bourbon drink.
Red Raider
A Bourbon drink.
Reunion Cocktail
Silver Palate-style French Toast
The wonderful cookbook The Silver Palate has an over-the-top French toast recipe. By using croissants instead of regular bread, and cream instead of milk, it is enough to harden anyone's arteries.
Southern Belle
A Bourbon drink.
Strawberry Iced Tea
Strawberry Iced Tea from the Recidemia collection
Strawberry Kamikaze
.
Strawberry Margarita
Strawberry Margarita from the Recidemia collection
Tequila Lime-grilled Salmon
Purchased from the Zimmerman Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1989. Dated 1962. I have made this on several special occasions and it is always gobbled right up.
Waikiki Woo Woo
A rum drink.