How to Make a Simple Triple Sec Margarita

This classic triple sec margarita recipe pairs triple sec with lime and tequila for a tasty three-ingredient cocktail.

Contrary to what many people think, the classic margarita has no added sugar. It’s just three simple ingredients: lime, tequila, and orange liqueur. If you don’t have Cointreau, you can make it with any triple sec for a triple sec margarita.

A triple sec margarita maintains the pop of flavor of the classic with a little extra zing, and it’s easily batched for parties. Here’s how to make one!

What you’ll need

The margarita is one of the most popular cocktails of all time. No one knows the exact origin story, but it’s most likely a variant on the Brandy Daisy. (Margarita means “daisy” in Spanish.) The Brandy Daisy is part of a family of drinks with base liquor, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water. It’s very similar to a Sidecar, which stars brandy and Cointreau.

The margarita is on the list of the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning there’s an “official” definition. The classic margarita ingredients are:

• Tequila
• Lime juice
• Triple sec

My ideal margarita uses Cointreau, basically an upgraded form of triple sec. I think that it tastes just a little smoother, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping this triple sec margarita as is!

Triple sec vs. Cointreau

The orange liqueur family is confusing because triple sec is both a family of liqueurs and a product in itself. Here’s a little background info:

• Triple sec is a family of dry orange liqueurs. In most liquor stores, bottles labeled “triple sec” are lower in quality and more affordable than Cointreau. Triple sec has a more straightforward flavor than Cointreau. It’s very citrusy, almost like an orange-infused vodka. The quality ranges based on the brand.
• Cointreau is a type of triple sec. It’s a clear, orange-flavored liqueur made from sweet and bitter orange peels. It tastes smoother than triple sec, with warm spices that add complexity and nuance. It generally has a higher ABV (40% vs. 20-40%) than bottles labeled “triple sec.” You can use either in a margarita!

Choosing your triple sec

Triple sec varies widely in quality based on price. Here’s what to look for when you’re shopping for your margaritas:

• Look for a mid-priced triple sec. The cheapest triple sec options aren’t typically great. I like the Drillaud brand as a mid-range option.
• Opt for Cointreau as a higher budget option. If you’re fine with the price tag and the higher ABV, you can just use Cointreau! Cointreau is technically a premium triple sec, so go for that if budget allows.

Choosing your tequila

You can use any type of tequila in your triple sec margarita, but it goes without saying that the better the tequila, the better the drink! My preference is tequila reposado. Here’s why:

• Tequila reposado is aged tequila, which is stored for 2 to 12 months. It has a more nuanced flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla, compared to blanco.
• Tequila blanco isn’t aged, with a more straightforward flavor and that signature tequila burn. You can use it here, but reposado makes for a more interesting drink.

Making a margarita for one

The triple sec margarita is like any other margarita: make a salt rim, stir or shake up the ingredients, and serve! Here are the basic steps:

1. Rim the glass with salt. Cut a notch in a lime wedge and slide that around the edge of the drink instead of wetting your finger. It’s quick, easy, and more hygienic!
2. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Shake the ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker or use a mason jar with a lid.
3. Strain into a glass and add ice. I like using clear ice. It’s crystal clear artisan-style ice that you can make at home in 24 hours and store for when you’re making cocktails. It really steps up a drink!

Making a pitcher

If you want to serve a crowd with this triple sec margarita, you can make a pitcher instead! You’ll need to add a specific amount of ice to dilute the drinks to the right level. Here’s how to make a margarita pitcher that makes 8 servings:

• 1 ½ cups tequila
• 1 cup Cointreau
• 1 cup lime juice
• 3 handfuls of ice

Add the ice and stir until cold. That’s it!

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More triple sec cocktails

There are so many great Triple Sec cocktails! Try these next:

• Between the Sheets
• Cosmopolitan
• Long Island Iced Tea
• Pegu Club
• Pomegranate Martini

01

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

02

Sidecar Cocktail

03

Between the Sheets Cocktail

04

Pegu Club