Triple Sec, Double Take

Sit down, we need to talk.
I may have been wrong about something and I need to let you know.
I realize it is Monday morning, far far away from the hallowed halls of happy hour but I need to tell you that my Jalapeño Margarita may be breaking things off permanently with Grand Marnier.

I know, I know.
You are all soooo tired of hearing about those Jalapeño Margaritas.
How good could they be?
Seriously.

But this weekend I shared them with several new friends (always a fun prospect). We were all in the kitchen juicing limes and testing infused Patron when the host came in and declared that he had no Grand Marnier.
What?
No Grand Marnier.
We were going to have to settle for Cointreau.
Seriously?
Hmmmph.
Stash doesn't settle.
But no one cared to trek back to the liquor store.
So we had to take on a pioneer spirit and simply make do.
Make do.

When all was said and done - and I can't believe I am saying this - but I really think these might have been better. I am so serious about this that I am considering hosting a tasting this weekend just to settle the matter once and for all.

As it turns out, chikapedia did a little research and here is what makes the difference. Turns out that Grand Marnier and Cointreau are both types of Triple Sec, made essentially by steeping sun-dried orange skins in alcohol for a period of time then distilling.

Hello? Wake up. This is like Food Network drama!
Only I guess it technically must be considered the Drink Network.
Now there's a thought....

Anyway, here is the important difference that I think changes the margarita completely. Grand Marnier has a brandy base and Cointreau has a neutral spirit base, think vodka.  This new discovery made the margaritas taste much more crisp and clean.

Sooooo, plan to stage your own comparison.
Or go back to your nap.
Whatever.
I care about you and I just felt you should know the truth.

Comments

[suzy]

Say it ain't so, ditch the GM, shocking! Then let the taste tests begin.

[Leah Adams]

No, no. This is so important. Really important. I used up the last of our Grand Marnier last weekend, so when I made some the other night I had to substitute straight Triple Sec. Pretty good. Don't have any Cointreau at the moment, but the pantry is getting low, so I'll add it to the list (my parents are crossing the border this weekend, so I'm going ask them to help us stock the larder).

[Stash]

I know, I know!
Mr Stash was so gobsmacked that he picked up triple sec on the way home so he could find out for himself.
He is a convert.
Breaking up is hard to do but sometimes it is for the best.

We used a brand other than Cointreau (think Contro like "controversial") and it was quite tasty as well.