The Mixology Hub
Orange Sec: Fresh zest, sweet citrus and classic cocktail possibilities
Crafted for mixing, not for drinking neat. Add a bright orange layer to a Margarita, shake up a Cosmopolitan or keep it simple with chilled tonic. Discover easy serves, recipes and tips to get the most from every bottle.
Tasting notes
A little citrus makes all the difference
Sweet and bitter orange meet fresh zest and gentle citrus sweetness, with a soft, aromatic finish. Use Orange Sec as the citrus backbone in your favorite cocktails, or lengthen it with a sparkling mixer.
Nose
Sweet and bitter orange aromas with fresh zest, subtle marmalade and hints of chocolate-orange and mint.
Palate
Bright orange freshness balanced by rounded sweetness and generous citrus aromatics.
Finish
Soft and lingering, with a delicate orange character.
Simple serves
Three ways to pour tonight
Orange Sec & Tonic
Pour 2 fl oz Orange Sec and 3 fl oz chilled premium tonic into a tall glass filled with ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice. A simple, refreshing way to let the citrus shine.
Full recipeThe Classic Margarita
Briefly shake 0.5 fl oz Orange Sec, 1.5 fl oz Tequila Alternative, 1 fl oz fresh lime juice and 0.25 fl oz white sugar syrup (1:1) with ice. Fine strain into a chilled, half salt-rimmed coupe and finish with lime.
Full recipe
The Cosmopolitan
Shake 0.5 fl oz Orange Sec, 1.5 fl oz White Rum Alternative, 0.5 fl oz lime juice, 1 fl oz cranberry juice and 0.25 fl oz white sugar syrup (1:1) briefly with ice. Fine strain into a chilled coupe and finish with orange zest.
Full recipe
Measurements are US fluid ounces.
Ratio guide
Get the balance right every time
Start with these proportions, taste as you go and find your favorite balance.
Long and refreshing
2 parts Orange Sec to 3 parts tonic. Pour over plenty of ice and add an orange slice. Adjust the mixer to taste.
Bright and citrusy
1 part Orange Sec to 3 parts Tequila Alternative to 2 parts lime juice. The core of a Margarita. Add 0.5 part white sugar syrup (1:1), then shake with ice.
Bittersweet and sparkling
1 part Orange Sec to 1 part Italian Orange to 3 parts blood orange soda. An easy Blood Orange Spritz. Build over ice and stir gently.
Mixer pairings
What goes with Orange Sec
- Indian tonic: a bittersweet contrast to the orange sweetness. Finish with an orange slice.
- Soda water: a lighter, drier long drink. Add fresh lime or a twist of orange peel.
- Blood orange soda: juicy citrus for an easy spritz. Add Italian Orange for a bolder bitter edge.
- Cranberry juice: tart fruit that balances the sweetness. Pair with lime for a Cosmopolitan-inspired serve.
- Pineapple juice: tropical fruit that works with the orange notes. Finish with fresh lime.
- Fresh lime juice: bright acidity for Margaritas and tropical cocktails. Balance with a little syrup where needed.
Finishing touches
A little garnish goes a long way
Twist orange zest over a Cosmopolitan to release its fragrant oils, or add a fresh orange slice to a tonic serve. Run lime around half the rim of a Margarita glass before dipping it in salt. Use fresh citrus and chilled glasses to keep shaken cocktails bright and balanced.
Festive favorite · Serves 12
White Christmas Margaritas, made for a crowd
Bright citrus meets white cranberry and peach in this festive twist on a classic Margarita. Finished with cranberry and rosemary, it’s a beautiful way to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday gathering.
Combine 18 fl oz Orange Sec, 24 fl oz Tequila Alternative, 24 fl oz white cranberry-peach juice, 6 fl oz fresh lime juice and 6 fl oz white sugar syrup (1:1) in a large pitcher. Stir and chill. To serve, shake 6.5 fl oz of the mixture with ice, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a cranberry pierced with a rosemary sprig. Repeat for 12 cocktails.
Hosting tip: use a pitcher that holds at least 3 US quarts, or split between two pitchers. Prepare the base and garnishes ahead, then shake each drink just before serving.
Full recipe
Love Orange Sec?
You might also like
Explore fresh agave, lighter tropical flavors and bittersweet citrus with three bottles to inspire your next cocktail.
Tequila Alternative
Your next step towards a classic Margarita. Fresh agave, citrus and a peppery finish pair with Orange Sec and lime, or bring a lively edge to a grapefruit Paloma.
Discover
White Rum Alternative
Explore light cane, citrus and tropical possibilities. Mix with Orange Sec for a Cosmopolitan or Mai Tai, then discover fresh Mojitos, Daiquiris and pineapple serves.
DiscoverItalian Orange
Add a bolder bittersweet layer to your citrus repertoire. Pair with Orange Sec and blood orange soda for a refreshing spritz, or explore Negronis, Americanos and tropical Jungle Birds.
Discover