Find out what to use in place of triple sec for non-alcoholic drinks and what brands to buy.
Note: I am a Drizly affiliate and am happy to recommend their service and products to you. Please know that as an affiliate, I may receive a small commission on the products you purchase after clicking through my links. For more info, please see my disclosure policy.
If you are a fan of mocktails and trying to find ways to enjoy your favorite drinks but with no alcohol, you may have been wondering how you can replace triple sec in your recipes.
Whether you’re making mocktails or adding triple sec to your favorite baked goods, this post will help you find some non-alcoholic triple sec substitutes and options for all your favorite recipes.
What is triple sec?
Triple sec is an orange flavored liqueur that is sweet and clear. It’s used in many mixed drinks and adds a bright citrus flavor to many recipes.
This liqueur is made by infusing alcohol with orange peels during the maceration process. The orange peels give triple sec its characteristic orange flavor, and most times sugar or other sweeteners are added to make a sweet liqueur perfect for adding to cocktails and mixed drinks.
Read on: What is triple sec?
Is triple sec alcoholic?
Triple sec does contain alcohol and is used in many cocktails and mixed drinks. The amount of alcohol in triple sec will vary by the brand you use, however the average range is between 15% and 40% alcohol by volume.
For example, Hiram Walker triple sec has a 15% ABV, whereas many others like Cointreau, Combier, and Grand Marnier are all 40% ABV.
Read on: Is triple sec alcoholic?
Read on: 25 best orange liqueur brands to try
Are there any non-alcoholic triple sec brands?
If you love the flavor of triple sec and want to use it in non-alcoholic drinks or baking to get the same orange flavor without any alcohol, you can opt to look for a non-alcoholic triple sec option.
Try one of these non-alcoholic triple sec brands:
La Paz Non-Alcoholic Triple Sec
This non-alcoholic triple sec from La Paz notes that it has a balance of citrus notes that will add a satisfying orange flavor to your drinks.
Lyre’s Orange Sec
Orange Sec from Lyre’s states that their non-alcoholic spirit doesn’t just mimic the flavor of triple sec, but it has its own unique flavor. You can use this in place of triple sec for a low alcohol version of a drink or a non-alcoholic mocktail.
Monin Triple Sec Curacao Syrup
This triple sec curacao syrup from Monin is their non-alcoholic answer to triple sec. It’s said to be great in lemonade, soda, tea, chocolate drinks, and coffee. Their website even says it works well in drinks with milk, because with the low acidity, the milk won’t curdle.
Royal Non Alcoholic Triple Sec Syrup
This non-alcoholic triple sec syrup works well in mocktails and cocktails for a low or no alcoholic twist on a favorite recipe.
Of course, if you can’t find one of these options locally or online, you can always opt to make your own at home! Try this recipe for non-alcoholic triple sec.
Non-alcoholic triple sec substitutes
For baking recipes or turning a cocktail into a mocktail, try one of these non-alcoholic substitutes for triple sec in your recipes.
Orange extract
Orange extract is a non-alcoholic substitute for triple sec that you might decide to use if you’re only looking to substitute the flavor of triple sec in a recipe as opposed to the flavor and alcohol.
Use a high quality orange extract if you have one or are shopping for one, as you’ll get what you pay for.
This swap is especially useful for baking, but can also be applied to cocktails and mocktails as well.
Orange juice or orange juice concentrate
Orange juice is a bit of a stretch when it comes to replacing triple sec, but it can be done. Depending on what you’re making that calls for triple sec, substituting orange juice can be just as effective in your recipe.
In cocktails and mocktails, using orange juice or orange juice concentrate will work if you’re trying to mimic the orange flavor, but the consistency and look of the drink won’t come out as a recipe intended.
If you’ve been looking for a non-alcoholic triple sec option for making mocktails at home or to add to your favorite baked goods and recipes, I hope this information has been helpful for you.
Though triple sec does contain alcohol, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the drinks and dishes that call for it if you’re staying away from alcohol in your diet.