Without the inclusion of triple sec, a beloved cocktail like a Margarita would lose its balance and essentially become just a Tequila Gimlet. This sweet, orange-flavored liqueur is what gives a Margarita its distinctive subtle citrus notes, counterbalancing the strong lime and liquor.

Triple sec's versatility extends well beyond Margaritas. It's a secret ingredient in popular cocktails like the Long Island Iced Tea and Cosmopolitan. It can even spice up a batch of Lynnette Marrero's Sauvignon Blanc Sangria or a Pink Lady, a gin, limoncello and Campari cocktail. As Lara Creasy, the beverage director at Rocket Farm Restaurants, explains, the name 'triple sec' reflects its history as a more highly concentrated, yet less sweet, liqueur compared to others on the market. This gives it the ideal balance to prevent cocktails from becoming overly sweet.

Industry insiders have curated a list of some of the best triple secs and similar liquors, including curacaos, that you can use to elevate your cocktail. Most of them are ideal for use in a Margarita. According to several of these experts, standard staples include Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Alma Finca, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Combier d’Orange, Blended Family No. 17 Triple Sec, Giffard and Hamilton.

Cointreau, invented in 1843, became the benchmark for triple sec despite Combier being the original brand. Cointreau - based on sweet and bitter orange peels - was included in the initial Margarita recipe over 70 years ago. Bartender veteran and co-founder of Speed Rack, Lynnette Marrero, says that the addition of Cointreau to a Margarita enhances the taste, offering a balanced and subtle sweetness that boosts the cocktail's citrus flavors without overpowering them.

Zachary Dimmitt, the food and beverage director of Nick’s Quorum Bar & Supper Club in Omaha, particularly loves Grand Marnier because its cognac implications offer more depth to a Margarita, especially the Cadillac version.

Eduardo Guerrero, the lead bartender at Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection in Riviera Maya, swears by Alma Finca-a sour orange liqueur produced in the Yucatan Peninsula-for making his Margaritas.

Demi Natoli, the beverage director of Graduate Nashville’s food and beverage outlets, prefers Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao for Margaritas. This French orange liqueur has a diverse blend, which contributes to the depth of citrus cocktails.

Michale Coyne, the director of wine and spirits at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection in Napa Valley, highly recommends Combier d’Orange- the perfect choice for Margaritas due to its subtle floral note and relativity dry makeup, which keeps the cocktail well-rounded without being overly sweet.

With a blend of sweet and bitter orange peels and orange blossoms, the American-made Blended Family No. 17 Triple Sec, crafted by Scott Mayer, ticks all the right boxes.

Giffard's triple sec is an all-purpose option according to Simon Sebbah, the lead of the beverage program at Grand Tour Hospitality.

Finally, Stephen Rowe, co-owner of Minneapolis restaurant Dario, highly recommends Hamilton, a deviation from the typical triple sec.

Hopefully, this guide brings inspiration for your next cocktail endeavor, ever reminding you not to forget the essential ingredient – triple sec.