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Is Cointreau a Triple Sec ?

Is Cointreau a Triple Sec ?

There are many triple secs, but only one Cointreau. Cointreau is an orange liqueur in a league of its own.

Cointreau historical advertizing

This is a matter of hot debate! One thing is for sure: There are many triple secs, but only one Cointreau. 

Why? Simply because a triple sec is the generic name used for any orange-flavored spirit, while Cointreau actually goes a step further.

By using Cointreau in your cocktails, you add the guarantee of exceptional richness of more than 40 aromas, quality sweet and bitter orange peels from the world’s finest terroirs, and over 170 years of know-how - all resulting in a perfectly balanced cocktail.

Did you know?

Orange

Did you know?

When Édouard Cointreau created his liqueur in 1885, it was trademarked under the name "Cointreau Triple Sec", a term abandoned over time as Cointreau falls within the officially recognized category of liqueur spirits due to its quality indicators and manufacturing processes.

Discover more about Triple Sec

What is the difference between an orange liqueur and a triple sec?

Carole Quinton - Triple sec / Orange Liqueur

What is the difference between an orange liqueur and a triple sec?

There are many triple secs, but only one Cointreau. 

Triple sec is a generic term for any orange-flavored spirit, with no specific rules around the method of production or quality criteria1. Since there is no official legal definition, nor specific quality requirements that must be met to carry this name, there can be significant differences between one triple sec and another1.

Created by Édouard Cointreau in 1885, Cointreau is a product passed down through generations of liquorists and distillers in the Cointreau family, making our signature orange liqueur from meticulous orange peel selection to artisanal blending and distillation. Cointreau also implements a system of analyses at every stage of the process to ensure organoleptic excellence.

Can I use Cointreau liqueur in recipes that call for a triple sec?

Cointreau Triple Sec

Can I use Cointreau liqueur in recipes that call for a triple sec?

For perfectly balanced cocktails? Yes, and it would enhance the quality of your cocktail!

Why is that? Simply because Cointreau is an orange liqueur with the perfect organoleptic balance. There are significant differences between one triple sec and another, which can translate into the quality of your cocktails in terms of taste, freshness, sweetness, balance, etc.

By using Cointreau in your cocktails rather than just a triple sec, you add the guarantee of the exceptional richness of 40+ aromas, quality sweet and bitter orange peels from the world’s finest terroirs, and 170 years+ of know-how, and the result is a perfectly balanced cocktail.

 

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  1. Except in the USA where it is considered as an orange liqueur. 
  2. EU regulation 787/219 Ingredients (fresh/dried orange peels from sweet/ bitter oranges, neutral alcohol, water, sugar), method of production (maceration, infusion and distillation of fruits or plants), and predetermine qualitative indicators (alcohol degree between 15% to 55%, sugar levels with at least 100 grams of sugar per liter, etc.)