Triple Sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that originated in France. It can be drank neat as an after dinner beverage, but most people add it to cocktails such as a Long Island iced tea, Cosmo, Kamikaze, and Sidecar. It is not a bottle of liqueur that is used up quickly and is easily forgotten in the pantry. For that reason, a frequently asked question many people have about it is: Does triple sec go bad?
Triple Sec can go bad if not stored properly. Unopened and stored in a cool, dry place it can last indefinitely. Once opened, the oxidation process begins. That can be managed by simply sealing the bottle tightly before storing away. In time, it may experience changes in color or flavor, but should still be safe to consume if stored properly.
In this article, we will discuss whether triple sec goes bad over time, as well as how to properly store triple sec. We will also highlight a few alternatives to triple sec. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Does Triple Sec Go Bad Over Time?
If stored improperly, triple sec can go bad over time. Unopened and stored in a cool, dry place it can last indefinitely. Once opened, the oxidation process begins. That means it can quickly lose its orange flavor after opening if not stored properly. To avoid this and maintain its quality for a longer period of time, make sure the bottle is tightly sealed. Triple sec does not need to be refrigerated after opening, although it is best served chilled.
If you are having a big party and plan on using the entire contents of the bottle in a short period of time, the storage method will not make a big difference. That is not usually the case, though. Most people only need a small amount for a cocktail recipe and then store the rest away. Therefore, if you are not sure when you will use it again, it is best to store it in the pantry with the lid tightly sealed to maintain its quality. If the smell is off or the orange flavor is lacking, discard it.
How Can You Tell If Triple Sec Has Gone Bad?
One way to tell if triple sec has gone bad is to smell it. If the smell is off, do not consume and discard immediately.
Another way to tell if triple sec has gone bad is to taste it. If the taste is flat and lacks the orange flavor, the quality is not good enough to serve neat or on the rocks. You can still use it in cocktails, but at this point it would be best to just discard it.
Alcohol acts as a natural preservative, so you typically do not need to worry about bacteria or mold growing inside the bottle. But, the human brain is good at spotting food or beverages that might make us sick. If you have had your bottle of triple sec for a while and an alarm goes off in your head when doing a quality check, trust that alarm and discard it.
Some bottles of triple sec may come with a best-by date on the bottle. That is by no means an expiration date. That date simply tells you how long the beverage will stay at its best quality. Since triple sec is high in alcohol, it will easily last for years past that date.
How To Properly Store Triple Sec?
Triple sec should be stored the same way you would store other hard liquors. That means it should be kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and other sources of heat. Ideal storages spaces would be the pantry or a liquor cabinet. Triple sec does not need to be refrigerated after opening, but as it is with other alcoholic beverages, triple sec is best served chilled.
How To Store Triple Sec
- Find a cool, dry place such as the pantry or liquor cabinet, away from sunlight and other sources of heat. Sunlight can speed up the oxidation process.
- Make sure there is a constant temperature. This means the bottle should be kept away from the stove and dishwasher, and it should not be moved back and fourth from the pantry to the fridge. Pick one storage space for your triple sec and make that its home.
- Once opened, make sure the lid is tightly sealed to restrict access to oxygen and prevent oxidation.
Does Triple Sec Go Bad After Opening?
Once opened, triple sec can last at least three years or longer if stored properly. In time, it may experience a change in smell or flavor as the oxidation process happens, but it should still be safe to consume. To experience the full quality and flavor of triple sec, it is best to consume it by the best-by date on the bottle and follow proper storage guidelines.
Unopened and stored properly in a cool, dry place, triple sec can last indefinitely. Once again, proper storage is key when it comes to maintaining the flavor and quality of triple sec.
Can You Get Sick From Old Triple Sec?
Triple sec stays safe for many years because the alcohol acts as a natural preservative. That means mold and bacteria is unlikely to grow in the bottle. Although old triple sec may not taste too good, it most likely will not make you sick. The only time you should be concerned with getting sick from triple sec is if you drink too much of it. Triple sec is high in sugar and contains 15-30% alcohol by volume. That means, as it is with other alcoholic beverages, it can make you sick and give you a hangover if you drink too much of it. That is why it is always important to drink responsibly.
Alternatives To Triple Sec
Triple sec is known for its delightful orange flavor that adds a refreshing, citrusy taste to many cocktails. Although nothing can replace the unique flavor of triple sec, there are a few alternatives you can try instead that may offer a similar flavor profile.
Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge Orange Liqueur
This premium blend of cognacs is known for its high proof and punchy orange flavor. It can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks as an after dinner treat, but is exceptionally delicious in cocktails. If you are looking for something that is heavier and sweeter than triple sec, look no further than Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge Orange Liqueur.
DeKuyper Orange Curacao Liqueur
This sweet and remarkably flavorful liqueur is made from orange, lemon and curacao fruit. Use it to make a delicious Sidecar, Cosmo, or even add it to frostings or syrups. No matter how you enjoy it, you are sure to love this orange-flavored liqueur.
Cointreau
This is hands-down the best substitute for triple sec on the market. In fact, Cointreau is considered to be a type of triple sec, except it is higher quality than traditional triple sec. It features a well-balanced orange flavor, while triple sec can have a stronger flavor. Cointreau is perfect for margaritas, cosmos, mimosas and so much more.
Liber & Co. Real Grenadine
This premium pomegranate-based cocktail syrup is made from California pomegranates, pure cane sugar and orange flower water. It features an intense red color and goes great in classics such as Shirley Temples, Jack Rose, Tequila Sunrise and so much more. If you are looking for a sweet, citrusy syrup to add to your cocktails, you have to try Liber & Co’s Real Grenadine.
Watkins Pure Orange Extract
If you are looking to add a citrusy taste to your drinks, perhaps without the alcohol, look no further than Watkins Pure Orange Extract. It is made from natural oils and has no artificial colors, flavors or corn syrup.
It is perfect for flavoring drinks, baking and so much more. This is the perfect way to enjoy that orange flavor you get from triple sec, just without the alcohol.
Related Questions
Does Triple Sec Freeze?
Although triple sec can be frozen, it is a difficult and unnecessary process given that the high ABV of the drink will keep it fresh for years, even after opening. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a secure place to store the drink that will further extend its shelf life, feel free to stick it in the freezer. After all, triple sec is best served chilled.
Is Triple Sec The Same As Cointreau?
While Cointreau is considered a type of triple sec, it is not the same thing. Triple sec is a liqueur made from the skins of oranges and ranges in alcohol content from 15-30% depending on the brand. Cointreau, on the other hand, is made from sweet and bitter orange skins, and is stronger with a 40% alcohol content.
Is Triple Sec High In Sugar?
Yes, triple sec is high in sugar. It contains about 11 grams of sugar per ounce, which means one shot of 60 proof triple sec contains 225 calories. Therefore, if you are looking for a healthy, low calorie alcohol, triple sec is not the drink for you.