Substitute for Orange Curacao: 12 Best Alternatives (2023)
Last Updated on August 29, 2023 by Lydia Martin
The addition of Orange Curacao makes a variety of drinks taste better and can be a crucial ingredient in many recipes, like Mai Tai and Margaritas.
However, finding Orange Curacao in stores can be tricky so, this makes a substitute for Orange Curacao come in handy.
If you can’t find a bottle or don’t have the budget yet to purchase one, here are the best substitutes for Orange Curacao you can try.
Top 12 Alternatives for Orange Curacao
12. Gran Gala
You can use Gran Gala to replace Orange Curacao in almost any type of cocktail. Its aroma and taste always complement any drink.
This brandy-base drink, with an orange flavor, was originally made in Italy and has gained popularity in other parts of the world.
If you’re a fan of Gran Gala, this makes a great Orange Curacao substitute in a 1:1 ratio. Its alcohol content is 40% ABV, making the cocktail stronger.
Quick Fact: Gran Gala is made of VSOP Italian brandy and three variations of oranges. The Sazerac Company owns it.
11. Orange Juice
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic Orange Curacao substitute, we recommend using orange juice.
If you’re planning on making a non-alcoholic drink, such as a mocktail, orange juice is the way to go.
For those who prefer a more orange flavor, use the orange extract or orange zest.
The citrus flavor and fresh orange smell are an excellent alternative for Orange Curacao, and you don’t have to go to a liquor store to get OJ.
You can use fresh oranges for a real orange taste.
10. Mimosa
If you can’t seem to find the perfect orange liqueur to enjoy or replace Orange Curacao with, then Mimosa is the way to go.
It’s an orange cocktail with a citrus taste and sweet flavor, made with champagne, a neutral spirit.
You can make your own mimosa by adding 1 oz orange juice to 1 oz champagne. Then, replace Orange Curacao with a mimosa in your drink using the same ratio.
9. Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao
Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao is a classic French beverage— Triple Sec, based on a 19th-century recipe.
If you’re into classics, this is an excellent sub to your usual Orange Curacao, among other orange liqueurs.
It has a strong orange flavor, dried peels, and candied oranges scent, with a balanced blend of ingredients that’ll add a new dimension to your favorite cocktail recipes.
Also, this is one of those substitutes for Orange Curacao; we also recommend drinking over ice or straight up.
8. Cointreau L’Unique
If you want your drink to be aromatic, we suggest replacing Orange Curacao with Cointreau L’Unique. The deep amber color and the orange scent of this orange-flavored liqueur are enticing.
“I have passionately thrown myself into researching this liqueur. I wanted it to have the purity of crystal and a delicately subtle flavor thanks to the perfect harmony of sweet and bitter orange peels.”
– Edouard Cointreau, Founder
The essence of dried orange peels is evident with a strong citrus flavor. We get some hints of bitter orange flavor here, but it tastes excellent with cocktails like the Classic Margarita and Cosmo.
We use it as a substitute for Orange Curacao, Triple Sec, and Grand Marnier with the same ratio.
Also, we suggest you try adding some freshly squeezed orange juice to enhance the flavor.
7. Garibaldi
Garibaldi is an excellent alternative to the Orange Curacao liqueur, which is made with Campari and orange juice.
As it contains neutral alcohol (from Campari), it will not impart a very deep flavor, allowing you to maintain your drink’s exact flavor.
To make Garibaldi at home is simple: combine equal parts of Campari and orange juice in a glass.
Add in some ice and let it foam up. Lastly, top it with your preferred orange liqueur.
6. Aurum
Aurum is another brandy base liqueur with an orange flavor and orange tint.
However, it contains saffron to get its deep orange color, it’s aged before bottling, so it has improved deep flavor.
Aurum’s smooth and sweet flavor, with an orange aroma, surely dominates the cocktail, specifically in desserts and ice creams.
Interestingly, it’s pretty good on its own, too.
When replacing Orange Curaçao with Aurum, use the same ratio. Mind you – this alternative has 40% ABV, so it can strengthen your drink.
5. Picon
Picon is a French orange-flavored liqueur with a bitter-sweet taste, best to mix with beer.
As it is made from a neutral spirit, caramel, spices, and herbs, it delivers a fantastic flavor.
This French liqueur contains cinchona bark, gentian root, and orange zest. This creates Picon’s rich flavor making it one of the tastiest Orange Curacao substitutes among other orange liqueurs.
When replacing Orange Curacao with this Frech beverage, you decide how much you want to add– no ratio restrictions or measuring; it’s all about your preference.
4. Triple Sec
Triple Sec is a clear orange liqueur– a widely used substitute for Orange Curacao.
Many brands make Triple Sec, but the flavors resemble the original French beverage.
Since this orange-flavored liqueur comes in a transparent color, don’t worry about changing the look of your drink.
Use the same ratio for Orange Curaçao and Triple Sec, but the flavor may vary as Triple Sec has a strong orange flavor.
Overall, the citrusy flavor with bitter oranges and orange bloom aromas pairs well in many cocktail recipes.
Read: Triple Sec & Simple Syrup Comparison
3. Blue Curacao
One of the best substitutes for Orange Curacao is Blue Curaçao, another Curacao liqueur with a clear color. However, the blue hue is a result of the artificial colorant.
Its flavor is close to the Laraha citrus grown on Curacao Island. But similar to Orange Curacao, this Blue Curacao has the right orange flavor notes.
You can substitute Orange Curacao with Blue Curaçao on a 1:1 ratio. And take note, Blue Curacao may bring a slight change of appearance to your drink due to its color.
Interesting Fact: Due to the natural clarity of the liquor, the producers of Blue Curacao decided to add a vibrant blue color to the drink to create an exotic and easily recognizable brand.
2. Apple Brandy
This substitute for Orange Curacao is not an orange-based liqueur, so it gives your drink a distinct flavor.
No fresh orange infusion in this fruit liqueur as Apple brandy [1] is usually made with unsweetened apple concentrate.
While it can’t give the orange peels, still, it’s one of the best Orange Curacao substitutes due to its sweet and bitter flavor, just like the Curacao liqueur.
1. Grand Marnier
Grand Marnier and Orange Curacao have distinct flavors, yet they deliver the same objective in cocktails. But Grand Marnier has an intense orange flavor compared to Orange Curacao.
Grand Marnier is made from dried Curaçao orange peels and other citrus fruits, so it has a specific orange-gold shade.
Its unique orange flavor from the dried Curaçao orange peels makes for an excellent substitute for Orange Curacao in a variety of drinks using the same ratio.
Did You Know? The orange notes of Grand Marnier’s products come from the Caribbean’s Citrus Bigaradia, also known as Seville oranges.
What Flavor is in Orange Curacao?
Orange Curacao is an orange drink with a bitter and sweet flavor. The sweet essence of orange is complemented by the bitter orange peels that are popular in cocktails.
Interesting Fact: Unlike Champagne or cognac, which are protected by law, Orange Curacao is not. It must be produced in the region where it came from– the Island of Curacao.
The color is enticing, and the flavor is refreshing.
Orange Curacao competes with the flavors of Grand Marnier and Triple Sec, which are orange liqueurs as well, made from neutral spirits.
FAQs
What can you make with Orange Curacao substitutes?
You can make different drinks using Orange Curacao substitutes, such as Blue Lagoon, Bitter Mai Tai [2], Bossa Nova, Apricot Lady, Cable Car, etc.
What can I use instead of Orange Curacao in Mai Tai?
You can use Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, and Cointreau [3] in Mai Tai as a replacement for Orange Curacao.
What if you don’t have orange liqueur for Margarita?
If you don’t have orange liqueur for Margarita [4], you can use fresh orange juice or orange juice concentrate.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the alternatives for Orange Curacao to make your own drinks without having to skip your favorite liqueur.
While Triple Sec is a great and commonly used alternative, there are more options you can use to replace Orange Curacao. Grand Marnier and Blue Curacao are our favorites.
But, of course, you can choose your own– from Gran Gala to Aurum to Apple brandy, all are equally good and can make any drink refreshing and savory.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/brandy
- https://sg.news.yahoo.com/
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/triple-sec-cointreau-grand-marnier-201554130.html
- https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/61794/11-refreshing-facts-about-margaritas
