5 Incredible Drinks with Vodka and Triple Sec

The mix of vodka and triple sec is a winning combination that can be found in countless cocktail recipes and has been a crowd-pleaser for decades.

Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur with a sweet and zesty profile — and when paired with the clean, neutral character of Absolut Vodka, the two work together to create a bright, citrus-forward base that sits at the heart of some of the world’s iconic cocktails. For home bartenders, it’s a must-know combination.

What Cocktails Can You Make with Vodka and Triple Sec?

While there are many drinks made with vodka and triple sec to explore, here are five of our favorites:

• Cosmopolitan
• Long Island Iced Tea
• Lemon Drop Martini
• Yankee-Dutch
• Kamikaze

What Is in a Cosmopolitan Cocktail?

The Cosmopolitan is the cocktail that defines the vodka and triple sec combination — which is exactly why it leads this list.

This iconic mix of Absolut Citron, cranberry juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and, of course, triple sec, has made the Cosmopolitan a modern icon.

Ingredients:

• 40 ml Absolut Citron
• 20 ml Triple Sec
• 20 ml Cranberry Juice
• 20 ml Lime Juice
• Orange Zest to garnish

Ready to make one? Check out the full recipe for a classic Cosmopolitan. Or watch Rico show how to make it:

How Do You Make a Long Island Iced Tea?

The Long Island Iced Tea is the cocktail that defies expectations — five spirits in one glass, each one bringing something different to the drink.

Absolut Vodka, light rum, gin, triple sec and tequila blanco, combined with fresh lemon juice and a splash of cola for a long, citrusy serve that has been a fixture on cocktail menus since the 1970s.

Back in 1972, a newspaper crowned it the unofficial drink of summer — and it has been causing a stir ever since.

Ingredients:

• 20 ml Absolut Vodka
• 20 ml Light Rum
• 20 ml Gin
• 20 ml Triple Sec
• 20 ml Tequila Blanco
• 20 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
• Cola to top
• Lemon Wedge to garnish

How to Make a Long Island Iced Tea:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Use a jigger to measure and pour Absolut Vodka, light rum, gin, triple sec, tequila blanco and fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously until the outside is frosty.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with cola — pour slowly.
6. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Watch Rico show you how to make a Long Island Iced Tea:

How Do You Make a Lemon Drop Martini?

The Lemon Drop Martini is a classic vodka cocktail that boasts that winning flavor combination of lemon and orange – Absolut Citron and triple sec.

Mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup, it tastes just like lemon drop candy, hence the name.

Ingredients:

• 45 ml Absolut Citron
• 30 ml Lemon Juice
• 10 ml Simple Syrup
• 10 ml Triple Sec
• Lemon Zest to garnish

Want to make a Lemon Drop Martini? Watch Rico show you how to make one:

How Do You Make a Yankee-Dutch Cocktail?

The Yankee-Dutch is a lesser-known cocktail — and one we’d recommend getting to know. This sophisticated, stirred drink blends Absolut Vodka, triple sec, bourbon and cherry brandy.

Bourbon often carries subtle hints of orange, and when you pair it with triple sec and finish it off with an orange twist, those citrus notes really shine. But add in the rich, fruity depth of cherry brandy? It’s a game-changer.

Ingredients:

• 15 ml Absolut Vodka
• 15 ml Bourbon
• 15 ml Cherry Brandy
• 15 ml Triple Sec
• Orange Zest, to garnish

Here’s how to make the Yankee-Dutch:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
• Measure and pour 15 ml Absolut Vodka, 15ml bourbon, 15 ml cherry brandy and 15 ml triple sec into the mixing glass.
• Stir steadily for 20-30 seconds until well chilled and diluted to your taste preference.
• Strain into a chilled glass using a julep strainer.
• Garnish with orange zest.

How Do You Make a Kamikaze Shot?

The Kamikaze is a sharp, citrus-forward shot — Absolut Vodka, triple sec and fresh lime juice, shaken hard and double strained into a shot glass.

Absolut Vodka provides the clean, smooth base, triple sec brings a sweet orange depth and fresh lime juice cuts through with a bright, zesty finish. Bold, citrusy and well-balanced.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml Absolut Vodka
• 15 ml Triple Sec
• 15 ml Lime Juice
• Lime Wedge to garnish

Here’s how to make a Kamikaze shot:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Cut a lime in half, use a citrus press to juice the lime halves.
3. Measure and pour 15 ml lime juice into the shaker.
4. Measure and add 30ml Absolut Vodka and 15ml triple sec.
5. Shake hard for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker looks and feels ice cold.
6. Use a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to double strain the cocktail into a shot glass.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge.

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