What is the history of triple sec?
Triple sec is a French orange liqueur. Combier says Jean-Baptiste Combier made the first in Saumur in 1834, and Cointreau followed in 1875. It descends from Dutch curacao orange liqueurs, which are about two centuries older. The meaning of the name triple sec is disputed.
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What is the history of triple sec?
Triple sec is a clear, orange-flavored liqueur. Its roots are Dutch: Difford’s Guide says the Dutch were the first to distill dried orange peel, using peels shipped from Curacao, and their curacao liqueurs predate French triple secs by about two centuries.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Before the 1800s | Dutch curacao, made with dried orange peel |
| 1834 | Combier says Jean-Baptiste Combier made the first triple sec in Saumur, France (the company’s claim, not independently verified) |
| 1849 | The Cointreau distillery is founded in Angers by Edouard-Jean Cointreau and his brother Adolphe |
| 1875 | Edouard Cointreau, who took over from his father, launches Cointreau, first named Curacao Triple Sec Cointreau |
What does triple sec mean?
Sec is French for dry, so triple sec roughly means triple dry. Explanations differ. One says it refers to triple distillation of the base spirit, another to the use of dry bitter orange peels, and Cointreau says its name refers to three types of peel and a lower sugar content. No single story is settled.
How is triple sec made?
Per Difford’s, dried orange peel is steeped in neutral spirit and redistilled, then the concentrated orange spirit is blended with more neutral spirit, water and sugar. Strength is typically 20 to 40 percent ABV, with better examples usually 38 to 42 percent.
How is triple sec different from curacao?
- Curacao: can be orange or blue, and is usually more subtle and herbal, often with coriander.
- Triple sec: clear, with a more single-dimensional orange flavor.
Which cocktails use it?
Margaritas, Cosmopolitans and Sidecars are classic drinks that use an orange liqueur such as triple sec. Check a recipe for exact brands and amounts.
People also ask
Who invented triple sec?
Combier says Jean-Baptiste Combier made the first one in 1834 in Saumur, France. Cointreau launched its version in 1875.
Why is it called triple sec?
Sec means dry in French. The triple may refer to triple distillation or to dry bitter orange peels; accounts differ.
Is triple sec the same as curacao?
Triple sec is a style of orange liqueur descended from curacao. It is usually clear and more single-dimensional in flavor.
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