There’s something rather lovely about taking a leisurely drive, windows down, heading towards somewhere that smells faintly of citrus and possibility. For many Australians with a little more time on their hands, a distillery visit is the perfect day out – a chance to taste something handcrafted, meet the maker and support local producers.
On the NSW Central Coast, Distillery Botanica has just added a new spirit to its award-winning stable – a small-batch Triple Sec made with sun-ripened Valencia oranges grown in the surrounding hinterland.
And yes, we went along for a taste.
A distinctly Australian twist
While orange liqueur is big business globally – think the famous French brand Cointreau – this Central Coast version is proudly local.
Master distiller Philip Moore has drawn on the region’s citrus bounty to create a triple sec that is fresh, bright and unapologetically Australian. The aroma is immediately zesty, with a fragrant orange peel lift that feels more orchard than aperitif trolley.
On the palate? Clean citrus upfront, a gentle sweetness through the middle and a pleasantly warming finish. It’s less syrupy than some imported versions and carries a marmalade-like complexity that lingers.
Moore describes it as “sunshine in a glass” – and it’s not far off the mark.
Priced from $59 for a 500ml bottle, it’s available for tasting and purchase at the Erina distillery, located on the site formerly known as The Fragrant Garden.
What are critics saying?
While still new to market, early local feedback has been enthusiastic. Visitors to the distillery have praised its “fresh citrus intensity” and “beautiful balance without being overly sweet.” Craft spirit reviewers have highlighted the use of genuine Valencia oranges as a standout feature, noting the brighter, more natural citrus character compared to some mass-produced orange liqueurs.
As with many small-batch releases, its appeal lies in that sense of place – a product that genuinely reflects where it’s made.
Three Easy Ways to Use Triple Sec at Home
Whether you enjoy it neat over ice or in a spritz with prosecco and soda, triple sec is a wonderfully versatile addition to the drinks cabinet. Here are three classics to try:
Classic Margarita
Ingredients:
50ml tequila
25ml triple sec
25ml fresh lime juice
Salt for rim
Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Bright, balanced and endlessly refreshing.
Breakfast Martini
Ingredients:
45ml gin
15ml triple sec
15ml lemon juice
1 tsp orange marmalade
Shake well and strain into a coupe. The triple sec adds depth and citrus lift.
Cosmopolitan
Ingredients:
40ml vodka
15ml triple sec
30ml cranberry juice
10ml fresh lime juice
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Crisp and elegant.
A Perfect Day Trip
For many over-60s Australians, experiences now trump possessions. A drive to the Central Coast, a wander through the gardens and a tasting flight at a local distillery ticks all the boxes – fresh air, good conversation and something delicious to bring home.
In a market dominated by global brands, it’s refreshing to see a small Australian producer bottling local sunshine – one Valencia orange at a time.
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