[1] Triple sec is rarely consumed neat, but is used in preparing many mixed drinks such as margaritas, cosmopolitans, sidecars, Long Island iced teas, and mai tais.

[3][4] Cointreau, a brand of triple sec, is reported to have invented the term based on the three types of orange peels used in the liqueur, although other reports have Cointreau claim the triple to mean "three times the flavour of Curaçaos.

[8] In 1875, Cointreau created its version of triple sec and calls itself one of the most popular brands.

[10] Triple sec is usually made from a spirit derived from sugar beet (used because of its neutral flavor), in which orange peel is steeped.

This process creates a spirit that has a robust and distinct orange flavor.