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Experience the luxury taste of a premium restaurant-style Cadillac Margarita at home with this recipe.
What is a Cadillac Margarita
Named after the classic once-considered luxurious vehicle, a Cadillac Margarita uses top-shelf tequila, two high-quality orange liquors, and always fresh lime juice; all of which will instantly upgrade the sipping experience of any Margarita recipe.
I first learned about this top-shelf Margarita from a regular at the bar in which I bartended while in grad school. While our happy hour Margaritas were made using a mix, he always insisted on using both Grand Marnier and Cointreau for an extra kick.
Do you use Grand Marnier or Cointreau for a Cadillac Margarita
Unlike a traditional top-shelf margarita, a Cadillac uses both Grand Marnier and Cointreau orange liquors. You can add both in the shaker or serve it on the side and pour it into the drink when you serve it.
The key to the best Cadillac Margarita is using premium liquor. If you don't have Grand Marnier, use this Classic Margarita recipe or my Casamingos Margarita recipe.
Cadillac Margarita Ingredients
The measurements for this recipe are below; but before you make substitutions or waste your premium liquor, here is why each ingredient is used:
- Tequila: use the good stuff. The base is Blanco or Silver.
- Cointreau: this is the French-made orange liquor (triple-sec).
- Grand Marnier: another orange liquor made with Cognac (a type of Brandy).
- Lime juice: freshly squeezed is a must.
- Simple Syrup: makes it slightly sweet since this recipe packs a punch (it's strong).
- Garnishes: lime wedges and salt, optional for rimming.
How to make a Cadillac Margarita
The detailed steps for making this Cadillac Margarita cocktail are written in detail in the recipe card; here are some additional tips in each to ensure the best drink:
- Prep the glass
If you enjoy a salty rim, make sure to rim it before mixing up the Margarita. - Shake it up
All the premium stuff goes inside the shaker with a lot of ice. Shake it up vigorously until the sides are frosted. - Pour & Garnish
Add fresh ice into your glass and strain the mixture from the shaker over it. After that, add another wedge of lime.
Cadillac Margarita Garnish
You can opt for salt or no salt on the rim of your glass when it comes to serving this margarita. Other than salt, this cocktail is best served with a lime wedge, which I typically like to squeeze into the drink before my first sip!
When to Serve a Cadillac Margarita
Whether you consider yourself fancy, simply enjoy premium drinks, or want to celebrate a special occasion, there's no wrong time to enjoy this drink. That said, it is always on the rocks, never frozen, and usually reserved for small get-togethers since it's pricey.
What to Serve with a Cadillac Margarita
Why go out when you can pair this delicious cocktail with chips and Roasted Salsa Verde along with some epic Jamaican Jerk Chicken Tacos? I say, stay in!
Cadillac Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Premium Silver Tequila
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup, optional
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier
- Lime, for garnish
- Margarita salt, for rims
Instructions
Prep:
- If you enjoy a salted glass, prep the rim by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim. Dip in tequila salt, and set aside.
Make the cocktail:
- Fill a shaker with ice and add tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using). Shake until sides are fully frosted.
Serve:
- Fill your prepped glass with ice and pour mixture.
- Fill a shot glass with Grand Marnier and pour it into the Margarita before sipping or enjoy it as a shot and chase it with the Margarita.
Beth says
Great margarita!