Orange curaçao, like other orange liqueurs, is made by steeping bitter orange peels in a spirit base, typically brandy or rum. The bitter orange peels of the Laraha citrus growing on the island of Curacao are used to make this fruit liquor.
Orange Curacao, notably, is wildly used in cocktails. So there is a high chance of you stumbling across it in most cocktails recipes in almost every liquor shop around you – I’ll show you some interesting ones. Moreover, there are quite a number of familiar options other than orange curacao that can be used in your recipes. So I have highlighted some brilliant orange curacao substitutes you should be interested in. Read to know more about them.
What is Orange Curacao
Orange Curacao is the fruit liqueur that is distilled from the bitter orange peels. The orange peels are used from the Laraha citrus-grown on the Curacao island. Notably, it is widely used in cocktails because of its fantastic flavor and color. Curacao can be painted orange, blue, or left unpainted (white). All of them taste the same, but the final drink has a different aesthetic effect.
However, orange curacao is not a protected brand. Cognac and Champagne, for example, are protected by law and must be produced in the region of origin. On the other hand, Orange curacao does not have this level of protection; therefore, it can be produced anywhere and by any means. As I previously stated, Orange Curacao is a traditional Curaçao product prepared from brandy and dried Curaçao orange peels. Modern curaçaos, on the other hand, aren’t always made this way.
Orange Curacao Uses in Recipe
Given its remarkable flavor and color, it is popularly used in cocktails. So, whenever you plan to go to any liquor store to get some interesting orange curacao cocktail. You can keep this list in mind. See the list of recipes where Orange Curaçao is used:
- Apricot lady
- Blue daydream
- Hula hula
- Eye opener
- Blue lagoon
- B-52
- Blue Hawaiian
- Bitter mai tai
- Morning cocktail
- East India house
- Blue Ricardo
- Young man
- Park Avenue
- Pegu Club
- Bossa nova
- Bosom caresser
- Cable car
- Captain’s grog
- Burnt fuselage
Orange Curacao Substitute
Orange liqueurs have become a mainstay of every bar and restaurant’s menu. They are available in a variety of flavors and sweetness levels, ranging from distilled to neat. Seeds, herbs, nuts, spices, and flowers are used in some of them. Orange Curacao is one such drink, but it’s not simple to come by. As a result, I am going to share the orange curacao substitutes with you.
Triple Sec
This is a clear orange liqueur with a citrus flavor. It’s made from the macerate of dried orange peels combined with a neutral spirit. Notably, triple sec is a French beverage that comes in a variety of flavors. The high-end triple sec will have a strong orange flavor, with orange bloom and bitter oranges in the scent.
Triple sec can be mixed into cocktails, but it can also be served neat or on the rocks. The alcohol content ranges from 20% to 40% for inexpensive products, whereas for high-quality brands, the alcohol content goes from 38% to 42%. However, whereas Triple Sec is often made with a neutral grain alcohol basis, Orange Curaçao is typically created with a brandy base. Today, there are no significant disparities between orange curacao and triple sec, and bartenders can use whatever works best for each drink.
Grand Marnier
Grand Marnier has a particular flavor that will stick out due to its distinctive orange flavor. This is the orange liqueur, which is created with premium brandy. This liqueur contains no neutral spirits. Furthermore, it possesses the brandy’s aged, intense, and oaky characteristics. Bitter orange peels are used to flavor it. It has a distinct and deep flavor, as well as a golden appearance. Grand Marnier is commonly used in cocktails, but it is also used in baking.
Notably, Grand Marnier can be substituted for orange curacao in your recipe. Obviously, they will have a distinct flavor, but they will still serve the very same objective. Typically, Orange Curaçao is made from sugar cane alcohol and 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). Grand Marnier is an orange-based liqueur produced with brandy instead of rum.
Aurum
Aurum is a brandy-based liqueur with an orange flavor. It’s a Pescara specialty prepared with old brandy. It has an orange tint and is flavored with orange. It does, however, contain a saffron ingredient to enhance the deep orange color. Notably, Aurum is aged before bottling, which determines the flavor. It has a smooth and sweet flavor, but an orange scent will dominate the aroma. Aurum is excellent in ice creams and desserts, but it’s also great on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use triple sec instead of orange Curacao?
In the recipe, all of them can be used interchangeably. Of sure, they will have a distinct flavor, but they will fulfill the same objective.
Is Blue Curacao and orange curacao the same?
No, they’re not the same. However, Blue Curacao, which is brilliant blue in hue and used in beverages like Blue Hawaii and Blue Lagoon, is more frequent than the clear type.
Is Grand Marnier orange Curacao?
Grand Marnier is a curaçao-style orange liqueur. Although Grand Marnier is not a classic curaçao, it is a comparable product made from cognac and triple sec.
Conclusion
Orange Curacao is a classic Curaçao product made from brandy and dried Curaçao orange peels. Curacaos nowadays, on the other hand, aren’t always produced in this fashion. Nonetheless, the final drink has a different aesthetic impression than the others, but they all taste the same. Moreover, there are several good alternatives you can also enjoy in your recipes. You may consider the orange flavor in the taste, the base spirit, the liqueur’s proof, and, certainly, the color of the liqueur when determining which brand is best for a specific cocktail.