12 Tasty Cointreau Substitutes to Try in 2025

March 08, 2023 by

Whether you prefer the bold flavour of Grand Marnier or the light sweetness of triple sec, these Cointreau liqueur substitutes will bring new dimensions of taste and aroma to your drinks. So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of orange liqueurs and discover what to substitute for Cointreau but still keep your cocktails zesty and bold.

What is Cointreau?

Cointreau is a well-known, orange-flavoured liqueur that has been enjoyed by cocktail lovers since the mid-1800s. Crafted from the essence of sweet and bitter oranges combined with alcohol and sugar, it’s an ingredient in numerous popular cocktails, including the Margarita, the Cosmopolitan, and the Sidecar.  

The versatility of Cointreau is one of its many strengths; it’s often used to enhance the flavour of other ingredients and create a balanced taste in cocktails. Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts love the liqueur’s sweet and slightly bitter notes and its unmistakable aroma of oranges. 

Our top 12 best Cointreau alternatives

The great thing about making and enjoying orange liqueur cocktails at home is that you can play around with different ingredients to make the drink your own. Here are a few substitutes for Cointreau that add a slightly different dimension to an orange-flavoured cocktail and can also be used as a good alternative when you don’t have Cointreau on hand.  

1. Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier is our top substitute for Cointreau liqueur. This luxurious French, orange-flavoured liqueur boasts a rich history and a refined taste. Made with a blend of aged Cognac brandy, bitter orange essence, and a hint of sugar, it exudes a warm and inviting aroma with hints of vanilla and spice. Whether sipped neat or on the rocks, or used as an ingredient in cocktails and desserts, choosing to substitute Cointreau for Grand Marnier delivers a sophisticated and indulgent treat for any occasion. 

You might also like: 12 Orange Liqueur Cocktails that Zest the Best

2. Triple Sec

Can you substitute Cointreau with triple sec? Yes! Triple sec is a clear, orange-flavoured liqueur commonly used as a substitution for Cointreau in cocktails and baking. With a taste that’s slightly less sweet plus a lower alcohol content, triple sec is an easily available and cheaper substitute for Cointreau.

TOP TIP: Triple sec and Curaçao are types of orange liqueur that can be made by many different brands, while Cointreau and Grand Marnier are proprietary blends.

3. Curaçao

Curaçao is a bright blue, orange-flavoured liqueur that originated on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. This deeply hued Cointreau replacement is made by blending dried orange peels with a mix of spices and sweeteners, resulting in a slightly bitter and tangy taste. When using orange Curaçao as a substitute for Cointreau, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste; it’s often a bit sweeter.

FUN TIP! When used as a substitute for Cointreau in a Margarita, blue Curaçao makes for a very festive-looking Blue Margarita (also sometimes referred to as the Electric Margarita or Moonlight Margarita).  

4. Aperol

Aperol is a bright orange-hued Italian aperitif known for its refreshing and zesty flavour. Made with a unique blend of bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, and other herbs and spices, it exudes a light and lively taste with a gentle bitterness that is balanced by a subtle sweetness. Perfect for sipping on its own or as the star ingredient in a spritz, Aperol is a quintessential cocktail ingredient to have in your drinks collection. 

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5. Campari

Another interesting Cointreau liqueur substitute is Campari. This vibrant red Italian aperitif is revered for its complex and bitter taste. Made from a blend of 68 different herbs and spices, including bitter orange peel, rhubarb, and quinine, it imparts an intense and invigorating flavour with a lingering bitter finish. Whether enjoyed on the rocks or in inventive Campari cocktails, it delivers a bold and distinctive drink that’s sure to tantalise the taste buds. 

6. Combier Liqueur d’Orange

Combier Liqueur d’Orange is a premium, orange-flavoured liqueur handcrafted in France using a secret blend of sweet and bitter orange peels. With its vibrant orange colour and bold citrussy flavour, this popular Cointreau alternative features in a variety of classic French cocktails and culinary creations. 

7. Luxardo Triplum

Luxardo Triplum is a versatile and well-balanced triple sec produced in Italy featuring a blend of bitter oranges, sweet oranges, and tangerines. With its bright orange colour and rich, fruity aroma, it offers a lively and refreshing taste, making it a high-quality and affordable alternative to other triple secs. It’s also a popular choice with both mixologists and home bartenders. 

8. Bols Dry Orange

On a budget and looking for the best substitute for Cointreau? Bols Dry Orange is a classic Dutch orange liqueur crafted from a unique blend of sweet and bitter oranges and other exotic citrus fruits. With its rich and zesty flavour profile, it provides a bold and delicious burst of citrussy goodness in every sip. 

9. Patron Citronge

Patron Citronge is a premium orange liqueur made with high-quality citrus sourced from the best citrus-producing regions in Mexico. With its vibrant and zesty flavor profile, it’s a versatile ingredient that offers an authentic taste of Mexico (and is a great Cointreau substitute in a Margarita, of course).

You might also like: 14 Cocktails with Orange Liqueur that Zest the Best

10. Gran Gala

What’s a substitute for Cointreau with a little extra depth? Excellent question, friend. Gran Gala is a great pick. This Italian orange liqueur blends VSOP brandy with sun-kissed orange essence for a rich, sweet flavour and subtle oaky undertones. It’s a good substitute for Cointreau in recipes that call for orange liqueur, bringing warmth and complexity to every sip. Serve it in cocktails for added depth, pour over ice for a slow drink, or drizzle onto desserts for a luxe citrus kick.

11. Non-alcoholic orange cordials & syrups

Sweet, orange-flavoured cordials and syrups (typically made from orange juice, zest, sugar, and water) are your go-to for zero-proof swaps. Orange blossom water is also a great non-alcoholic Cointreau substitute in drink recipes when you want to add bright citrus notes without adding viscosity. Or use it as an orange juice option for low-cal cocktails when you want pure flavour and less sugar.

12. Homemade orange liqueur

To make your own substitute for Cointreau in cocktails, zest 3 medium oranges, combine with one tablespoon dried bitter orange peel, one cup SKYY vodka, and one cup brandy in a sealed jar. Steep for at least 19 days (the longer the better, up to three months), then add four cloves and let sit for one more day. Strain and stir in a quantity of simple syrup made from two cups of sugar and two cups of water. Decant into a bottle and store away from direct sunlight.

Best Cointreau substitutes for baking

But what about baking? Cocktails are one thing – it’s a bit like jazz where you have some room to riff. Baking, on the other hand, is a science, so it can be tricky to play around with orange liqueurs that may differ ever so slightly but could have a big impact on the outcome of your baked goods.  

If you want to play it extra safe in the kitchen, we recommend non-alcoholic substitutes for Cointreau like fresh orange juice or orange extract. Use 2-3 tablespoons juice or the zest of an orange to replace 1/4 cup of Cointreau to add a bright, citrussy flavour to your baking. Orange extract is a potent concentrated flavouring. One teaspoon is equivalent to one teaspoon of orange liqueur, so handle with care when using it as a substitute for Cointreau in cooking or baking.

Related recipes to enjoy

Now that you know all these interesting substitutions for Cointreau, it’s time to shake up a few cocktails to see what the fuss is about. We recommend:  

Blood Orange Margarita: Bold and slightly tart with a hint of sweetness, this twist on a classic Margarita is like pure sunset vibes in a glass.

Golden Dream: Creamy, citrussy, and a little dreamy, this vintage beauty tastes like dessert disguised as a cocktail.

Mexican Martini: If you’ve been wondering about a substitute for Cointreau in cocktails like a Martini, this Margarita-inspired drink is a great choice with a fun twist.

B-52: A layered shot that’s sweet and smooth, with a rich coffee-kissed kick for those who like it bold.

French Manhattan: Deep, aromatic, and a little fancy, this spin on the Manhattan is pretty as a picture.

Pomegranate Martini: Fruity and slightly tart with a jewel-toned glow, this one’s pure glam in a glass.

Spicy Margarita: Bright, zesty, and packing a fiery punch, because sometimes your drink needs a little drama.

Mai Tai: Tropical, nutty, and citrus-driven, this tiki legend will instantly transport you to beachside bliss.

Lemon Drop Martini: Unapologetically sassy but sweet, and always Insta-worthy.

White Lady: This velvety gin-based classic proves that old-school never goes out of style.

There you have it, cocktail lovers –12 amazing Cointreau orange liqueur substitutes that still bring that citrus-kissed vibe to the party. So, next time you wonder what to substitute for Cointreau, you’re all sorted. Visit the Grand Marnier, Aperol, and Campari websites to stock up on your zesty besties and remember to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Cointreau, like most spirits, is a high-alcohol content beverage that does not spoil in the same way that perishable foods do. However, Cointreau and other liqueurs can lose their flavour and quality over time due to oxidation and evaporation. To ensure the best quality and taste, it's recommended to consume Cointreau within a year or two after opening.

Yes, Cointreau can be replaced with an alternative like Grand Marnier in Margaritas. Both Cointreau and Grand Marnier are orange-flavoured liqueurs, and can be used interchangeably in many cocktail recipes, including Margaritas.

Grand Marnier is made by blending cognac with bitter oranges, while Cointreau is made solely from sweet and bitter orange peels. As such, Grand Marnier has a more complex flavour profile than Cointreau, with notes of oak and vanilla from the cognac. Cointreau, on the other hand, has a pure, bright orange flavour with a slight bitterness.

If you’re wondering about a substitute for Cointreau without alcohol, orange blossom water or orange-flavoured simple syrup are great picks. They bring the same citrussy vibe minus the kick.

Cointreau is clear, crisp, and balanced, while Curaçao can be sweeter and often comes in fun colours like blue. Both add orange flavour, but Cointreau is lighter and more refined in cocktails.

Yes, but not in a bad way! Alternatives like Grand Marnier or Aperol bring different levels of sweetness and depth. Your Margarita will taste slightly different but still delicious.

Absolutely! Steep orange peels in vodka and brandy for 19 days, then add simple syrup for sweetness. This homemade orange liqueur makes a great substitute for Cointreau in cocktails like Cosmos and Sidecars.

Taste as you go! Some substitutes are sweeter than Cointreau. Reduce added sugar in your recipe or start with less liqueur, then tweak until it tastes balanced.