Cadillac Margarita

Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita: it uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur to add sophistication and style!

Want a fun spin on the margarita? Try a Cadillac Margarita! As the name implies, this is a sophisticated version of the margarita. Float Grand Marnier on top of your classic margarita and you’ve got the Cadillac. It has a nuanced flavor that will make everyone say, “Wow! What’s in this?” It’s a great way to step up your cocktail game with very little effort. (Another fun spin: the Italian margarita.) Here’s how to make it!

What’s a Cadillac margarita?

A Cadillac margarita is similar to a classic margarita, but it uses premium ingredients: best quality tequila and Grand Marnier. Cointreau is the standard orange liqueur in margaritas, so adding the more nuanced, sophisticated Grand Marnier flavor takes it over the top. Here are the ingredients you’ll use:

• Grand Marnier
• Tequila (best quality or aged)
• Cointreau
• Lime juice

You’ll pour the Grand Marnier right onto the other ingredients so that it “floats” on top. You’ll notice that this Grand Marnier margarita has no added sugar! No, a margarita doesn’t need to be sickly sweet. This one is perfectly balanced–and pretty irresistible.

All about Grand Marnier

What’s Grand Marnier? It’s a French liqueur that blends Cognac, bitter orange, and sugar. The bottle you’ll typically see is actually called Cordon Rouge: that’s the Grand Marnier brand’s most popular product. Grand Marnier can also be used as a generic term for orange liqueur. (Yes, it’s confusing.)

What does Grand Marnier taste like? You’ll taste bitter orange and brandy, and then backend notes of vanilla and oak. (Source.) Yes, it’s fancy!

Use tequila reposado for a Cadillac margarita!

Most standard margarita recipes use tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has only been aged less than 2 months and has a strong flavor. But for the Cadillac margarita, you’ll want to use a high quality tequila reposado.

Tequila reposado is aged longer, at least 2 months. We like how it gives the drink a more nuanced undertone. Try to find a mid-price range tequila reposado. You don’t want to be making this drink with the cheap stuff!

How to make a salt rim

As with any margarita, this Cadillac Margarita is best served with a salt rim! The best type of salt to use for a salt rim is kosher salt or flaky sea salt: they have a nice chunky texture. For a festive look, you can also try our colorful Best Margarita Salt — the orange and lime zest makes the glass look beautiful. Here are our tips to making the perfect rim:

1. Spread the salt on a plate in an even layer.
2. Take a lime wedge and cut a notch in the middle: then slide it around the rim of the glass. This perfectly moistens the glass rim without having to use your fingers!
3. To rim the glass, you’ll want the salt on the outside of the glass only, not the inside where it can fall into the drink. To do this, tilt the glass so that only the outside edge goes into the salt.
4. Shake off any loose salt into the sink.

When to serve a Cadillac margarita

The Cadillac margarita is a sophisticated, premium margarita! It’s perfect for sipping as a:

• Happy hour drink
• Dinner party drink
• Late night drinks drink
• Guys or girls night drink
• Cocktail hour drink

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More great cocktails

This Cadillac Margarita is a knock-out classic! Here are a few more of our refreshing great classic cocktails you might also enjoy:

• Classic Mojito Here’s a classic mojito recipe, perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.
• Paloma Cousin of the classic margarita, this easy Mexican cocktail recipe features tequila with grapefruit instead of lime! 
• Gin and Tonic Here are the keys to the very best gin and tonic, the most refreshing 2-ingredient cocktail! A few secrets take this crisp, botanical drink over the top.
• Southside Fizz The Southside Fizz is a refreshing cocktail made with mint, lemon, lime, and gin: Tom Collins + a mojito! Top it off with soda water for a sparkle.