I posted a question if you could use use Triple Sec instead of Grand Marnier in the Cointreau Buttercream. I got different answers so I decided to do a taste test. I bought Grand Marnier, Patron Orange Liquer, and Triple Sec.

If you try to drink it straight, the Grand Marnier is very strong. The Triple sec is 24% alc, vs. 40% in Grand Marnier and Patron.

The Winner was Grand Marnier. It had a much stronger orange flavor (Made in France) but was very very good. The buttercream was not too sweet. The Patron was 2nd and much cheaper in price (and made in Las Vegas) but had a more subtle orange flavor. The Triple Sec had a slight orange flavor but caused the buttercream to be sweeter in taste.

Just thought I would share.

And the best tasting orange liqueur by far is Mandarine Napoleon. It is not always easy to find, but it is much cheaper than Grand Marnier ( usually around $20 instead of the $26 I pay for Grand Marnier) and has a much yummier fruit flavor and not so strong on the brandy flavor. JMO, YMMV.

txkat, can I ask where you are from? I haven't heard of Mandarine Napolean, but will have to search for it next time.

Thanks

I'm not very knowledgeable booze. However, after the last thread about Grand Marnier I went out and bought a bottle. So far I've only tasted it on the end of my finger. I'll have to test it in some pineapple juice later on since I don't have a cake planned in the next few days. Ü Thanks for the reminder!

cointreau or curacao are options as well

I am from Dallas, although I live in NC now ( with a few stops in between)

Here is a excellent blog entry on Mandarine Napoleon.

http://basicjuice.blogs.com/basicjuice/2005/11/mandarine_napol.html

txkat, I am in Arlington, but I go to Fort Worth to pickup my booze.


jmt1714, I had some Curacao a friend gave me for white Sangria. I didn't like it so well mixed, or even straight for that matter. But I might have to try in the buttercream.

Cointreau and Grand Marnier were so close in price I went with the Grand Marnier because I have a least had that in my Margaritas.

Cointreau is the bomb-diggity in Margaritas. Try Sauza Commerativo, Cointreau, and Minute Maid frozen limeade for a homemade Margarita. Use the can to measure - 1 can limeade, 3 cans water, 1 can tequila 1/2 can cointreau. Shake ( or whirr in blender) and enjoy

Of topic, but I use Triple sec in my Margaritas. You have to use the Minute Made Limeade frozen concentrate. I tried using Great Value frozen Limeade , and lets say..if you don't have anything else it works. But the Minute Made limeade is a must have.

I prefer Gran Gala.   The perfect Margarita for me is....  Don Julio Anejo, Gran Gala, Sweet n' Sour.  Yummy!!!