Difference between Triple Sec and Cointreau

In this blog we are going to tell you about Difference between Triple Sec and Cointreau, so read this blog carefully to get the complete information.

Introduction

Developed in France, Triple Sec and Cointreau are orange flavored liqueurs which have been quite popular all over the world. They have the same basic ingredient being made from dried orange peel. Triple Sec is named for its distilling process and manufactured under several different brand names while Cointreau is a brand name and its manufacturing process is kept secret and it may or may not be triple distilled. These orange flavored liqueurs are used to make various cocktails where Cointreau is a more expensive product and used less frequently than Triple Sec.

What is Triple Sec?

Being a strong, sweet, colorless and orange-flavored liqueur; Triple Sec was originally inspired by the Curacao liqueurs. It was developed in France and uses the method of triple distilling of the orange peels. Triple Sec is thought of as a lower grade product due to its lower price and differences in the alcohol content and the subtle flavor. Its distilling process remains the same for different varieties and is adopted by different manufacturers. The dry in the name of the liqueurrefers to the fact that the peels of the fruit are dried to start the distilling process. People consume it neat or sometimes it is also served on the rocks or ice.

Qualities and functions:

An orange flavored and sweet liqueur
Alcohol content of 20% – 25%.
Usually clear but can be colored in some name brands.
Made from dried orange peels and other spices and alcohol.
Used for mixing cocktails and as an alcohol beverage.

What is Cointreau?

Cointreau is a name brand which was created by two brothers, Adolphe Cointreau and Edouard-jean Cointreau. It was originally called Cointreau Triple Sec but later the name was dropped to distinguish it from other Triple Sec brands. Its recipe has remained as a family secret but it uses the same basic ingredients of dried orange peel. The process used to make Cointreau is not available for public knowledge. Considered more exclusive and expensive, Cointreau is also used as a base for many cocktails. It has an alcohol content of 40% which is considerably higher than Triple Sec at 20% – 25%. Addition of water with Cointreau reduces the alcohol content. Cointreau’s flavor is well known for its delicate orange aroma, mixed with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It comes in a square bottle that can be easily recognized as its branding and consistent presentation.

Qualities and functions:

An exclusive orange flavored liqueur with a high alcohol content
Mixes well with cocktails and can be served neat as a drink.
Quite expensive but of a good quality with higher alcohol content.