Orange liqueur—simple as macerating some citrus with distillate, right? Believe it or not, it’s actually not that cut and dry. Within this niche category of liqueur, there are a few details you need to know before diving in.
First and foremost, orange liqueurs are a rather diverse group of spirits and are produced all over the world. While citrus flavoring is the thread that ties these liqueurs together, a variety of distillates are used as common bases, including but not limited to vodka, brandy, or rum. Popular production areas for citrus-based liqueurs include France, Italy, and the Caribbean islands. Most have an average ABV of 30-40%. Orange liqueurs get their citrus flavoring from various techniques, including maceration with dried orange peels or the addition of orange-based essential oils. In terms of flavor, orange liqueurs can range from bitter to sweet, as well as contain a variety of additional herbs, spices, or added flavorings. The three main types of orange liqueur are triple sec, Curaçao, and brandy-based.
Still not sure where to start? We’ve done the work for you! Here is a handful of what we think are the best orange liqueurs to get right now. Grab your shakers and get ready for some flavor-packed education!
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Best Overall: Cointreau
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Best Budget: Bols Triple Sec
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Best Easy to Find: Grand Marnier
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Best for Cocktail Creations: Combier Liqueur d’Orange
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Best for Margaritas: Patron Citronge Orange Liqueur
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Best for Old Fashioneds: Grand Garonne
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Best for Sangria: Drillaud Orange Liqueur
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Best for Gifting: Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao
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Best Off the Beaten Path: Agavero Orange Liqueur
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Vicki Denig is a wine and travel journalist based between New York and Paris. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators. Her work regularly appears on Liquor.com, Wine-Searcher, VinePair and more.