10 Best Cocktails TO MAKE with Triple Sec

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

What would the cocktail world be without Triple Sec? This versatile, Orange-Flavored Liqueur is a staple for any home bar. Known for its sweet and zesty profile, Triple Sec complements many spirits and is found in countless mixed drink recipes.

Originating from France, Triple Sec is made from a spirit derived from sugar beet. Its distinct orange-y flavor comes from steeping unripe orange peels, where the essential oils are concentrated in the skin. The spirit is then redistilled, mixed with more neutral spirit, water, and powdered beet sugar, resulting in the bright, orange-y flavor that we all know and love.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Cosmopolitan, a creamy shot, a citrus-y shot, a frozen Margarita, a citrus-forward Martini, or a classic Tiki drink, we’ve assembled the 10 best drinks and cocktails with Triple Sec. Let’s get mixing!

1. Long Island Iced Tea
Let’s start off BIG! The Long Island Iced Tea is a beloved cocktail, which despite its deceptively smooth appearance, is famous for its blend of five different spirits.

It mixes Vodka, Light Rum, Gin, Triple Sec, Tequila Blanco, Lemon Juice with a splash of Cola and a squeeze of Lemon, to create a cocktail that boasts layer upon layer of flavor.

In 1972, a popular newspaper dubbed the Long Island Iced Tea “The unofficial drink of Summer,” and for good reason. Discover our recipe for a Long Island Iced Tea.

2. Fancy Nancy
Here’s a drink where Triple Sec truly shines. The Fancy Nancy is all about Orange, Orange, and more Orange – putting this beloved citrus fruit in the spotlight. 

This cocktail showcases the complexities and nuances of Orange in all its glory, mixing Italian Red Bitter Liqueur, sweet Triple Sec, Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, and a touch of Orange Zest, each playing their part beautifully. Then, of course, there’s the Vodka to smooth everything out and ensure everything works in perfect harmony.

Here’s how to make a Fancy Nancy cocktail. 

3. Frozen Margarita
A classic Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails of all time, but frozen, it’s on a whole other level. Its three ingredients – Tequila Blanco, Triple Sec, and Lime Juice – have a place in cocktail heaven.

“It tastes like a walk down your favorite Mexican beach,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. It really does.

“The flavors of 100% Agave, Lime, and that Triple Sec, giving a nice Orange flow, are all chilled and frozen to perfection.” he adds.

Get your Blender ready and learn how to make a Frozen Margarita with our easy recipe.

4. B-52
Firstly, just look at those layers in the Shot Glass – so creamy, so cloudy, and so inviting. The coffee notes of the Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur blend seamlessly with the creamy sweetness of the Cream Liqueur, while the Triple Sec adds a bright, zesty orange flavor that cuts through. It’s a dessert in the form of a shot.

The B-52 is a great example of Triple Sec’s versatility and how it works perfectly in so many drinks. Here’s how to make a B-52 shot.

5. Zombie
The Zombie is a legendary Tiki drink that dates back to the 1930s. A wild ride of flavors, the Zombie is a mix of six different spirits, including Triple Sec, Light Rum, Navy Rum, Orange Rum, Apricot Brandy, and Overproof Rum.

Combined with Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, and Grenadine, it earns its place in Tiki royalty.

The Zombie delivers a complex blend of fruity sweetness and citrusy tang, all tied together with a hint of apricot and the zesty orange notes of Triple Sec. 

Sip…if you dare! Discover how to make a Zombie cocktail.

6. Citrus Martini
While a classic Vodka Martini is traditionally garnished with a Lemon Twist, here the flavor of Lemon takes center stage.

The Citrus Martini mixes Absolut Citron, Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, Triple Sec and a touch of Simple Syrup. The bright, zesty notes of Lemon-Flavored Vodka and Fresh Lemon are perfectly balanced by the sweetness of Triple Sec and Simple Syrup, making each sip a citrusy delight.

Discover our Citrus Martini recipe.

7. Cosmopolitan
It would be impossible to talk about Triple Sec without mentioning the Cosmo.

The iconic mix of Absolut Citron Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, and, of course, Triple Sec has made the Cosmopolitan a classic and a symbol of modern cocktail culture. 

Orange-Flavored Triple Sec meets Lemon-Flavored Vodka – it can’t get any better. Discover how to make a classic Cosmopolitan with our cocktail recipe.

8. Kamekaazi
Time for another shot! The Kamikaze is a crowd favorite at bars and incredibly easy to make at home, making it a party essential.

This shot combines Absolut Vodka, Lemon Juice, and Triple Sec, served with a Lime Wedge. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Here’s how to make a Kamekaazi shot. 

9. Hawaiian Cosmopolitan
If the classic Cosmopolitan is a nightclub drink, then the Hawaiian Cosmopolitan is a dayclub drink. A sunny garden, a speaker and a hot playlist make a pretty good dayclub substitute, so long as you’ve got a Hawaiian Cosmo at the ready.

It mixes Absolut Vodka, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Apple Juice, Pineapple Juice and, of course, Triple Sec. Garnished with a Pineapple Wedge, comparing it to the classic Cosmo, it’s like Apples and Oranges…because, well, it is.

Discover how to make a Hawaiian Cosmopolitan.

10. Lemon Drop Martini
As Rico says, “When life gives you lemons, you get a bottle of Absolut Citron and make Lemon Drops!”

The Lemon Drop Martini is a classic Vodka cocktail that boasts big citrus flavors. The flavor combination of Lemon and Orange goes together like Vodka and a Martini Glass.

The taste is reminiscent of Lemon Drop candy, hence the name, combining Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, and Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, balanced by a touch of Simple Syrup. So fresh, so bright, so good. Here’s our recipe for the Lemon Drop Martini.