Sip in luxury with the Cadillac Margarita Cocktail, an effervescent blend of tequila, Grand Marnier, and zesty lime, sure to add some class to your at-home happy hour.
We all love a good margarita, right? If it’s summer and there’s a party, you can bet there will be margaritas. But today, get ready to have your mind blown because you can actually take this ultimate party cocktail and elevate it: meet its glammed-up cousin, the Cadillac Margarita! This upscale blend of 100% blue agave tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice can turn even the most mundane get-togethers into Cinco de Mayo.
That first sip is like a flavor fiesta in your mouth. It’s salty, sour, and sweet and in just the right proportions. Even among the fancy-schmancy Margaritas like the Italian Margarita (which has Amaretto in place of Grand Marnier), the Paloma with its splash of grapefruit juice, or a flavored Margarita like Watermelon Margarita, the classy Cadillac just stands in a league of its own.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. tequila
- 1 oz. orange liqueur e.g. Grand Marnier
- 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz. simple syrup optional
- ice
- lime wheel for garnishing
- salt to rim the glass optional
Instructions
- Use a lime wedge to dampen the rim of a rocks or margarita glass, and then dip it into salt (optional).
- In a shaker, mix together the tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and ice. Shake well until cold.
- Strain into your prepped glass filled with new ice. Finish with a lime wheel for garnish.
Nutrition
How To Make a Healthy Version of a Cadillac Margarita
A typical margarita can have up to 200 calories a glass, thanks to those sweet mixers and liqueurs, so it’s not surprising the Cadillac Margarita is even higher, owing to the inclusion of the Grand Marnier. But don’t worry, we can totally spin this classic cocktail into a healthier version without killing the taste.
- My first tip is to skip the simple syrup (which is a sugar-water combo) and use a natural sweetener like stevia or raw honey.
- Yes, it’s delicious and is what gives the Cadillac Margarita its distinct taste but Grand Marnier also loads up the sugar and calorie meter. You can either reduce the amount or opt for a less sinful option like a top-notch triple sec.
- This tip is valid for all recipes on my site, fresh ingredients are better! This is so true with the lime juice or even some just-squeezed orange juice.
- Here’s a cocktail hack — crushed ice makes your cocktail look bulkier, which in turn tricks you into thinking twice before going all out for that second (or were you thinking third?) glass.
Top Tips For a Perfect Cadillac Margarita Cocktail
- Use high quality, 100% blue agave tequila. This type of tequila is made solely from the blue agave plant, leading to a purer flavor.
- Always use freshly squeezed lime juice. The flavor is just so much brighter than pre-packaged lime juice, which can often have a metallic or overly sour taste.
- A thorough shake in a cocktail shaker isn’t just for show. It helps to combine all the ingredients and bring the cocktail down to the right temperature. Aim for a good 15-20 seconds of shaking.
- Salt not only looks nice, it can enhance the other flavors in the cocktail. Additionally, coarse salt tends to stick better to the rim and gives a much better kick than table salt.
FAQs
A classic Cadillac Margarita with the ingredient portions in this recipe might set you back around 220-240 calories, depending on how heavy-handed the pour is. If you haven’t read it already, take a look at my section above on how to cut those calories and still make a delicious drink.
You’ll want to savor each sip of the Cadillac, letting the flavors chill out and blend together on your taste buds. Not only does it go fabulously with spicy cuisines (the sweet-tangy combo makes those chili peppers bearable!), but it’s also great as a standalone cocktail to just kick back and relax with.
Ride high with a Cadillac Margarita mixed with 100% blue agave tequila. Something like a Don Julio or Patron usually hits the spot. Want to move your ride into the next gear? try an añejo tequila that’s been aged for at least a year. This’ll give you a smoother flavor and major bragging rights at your next girls’ night!
Totally! Just blend your ingredients with a generous scoop of ice until smooth and serve immediately for ultimate refreshment.
No way! Even though a cocktail shaker helps harmonize all the flavors, you can easily whip up this cocktail with a glass and a spoon. Just give it a strong stir and strain into your glass.
Cadillac Margarita Cocktail Variations Worth Trying
Whether you’re looking for a healthier spin, an alcohol-free alternative, or simply want to mix things up, these famous variations on the Cadillac Margarita are sure to tickle your fancy:
The Low-Carb Cadillac: See above for more detail but in short swap out the Grand Marnier for a low-sugar orange liqueur and use a sugar substitute for the simple syrup.
The Cadillac Mocktail: For an alcohol-free twist, use non-alcoholic tequila and orange extract in place of the Grand Marnier.
The Spicy Cadillac: This will remind you the classic spicy margarita. Add a separate layer of complexity by muddling a slice of jalapeno in with your lime juice before shaking up your cocktail for a hint of heat!
The Cadillac Sunrise: Inspired by the well-known Tequila Sunrise, add a touch of grenadine to your cocktail .
How to Store Cadillac Margaritas
To make these margaritas ahead of time, mix together your tequila, Grand Marnier, and simple syrup in a jug. Pop it in the fridge to chill. When you’re ready to serve, pour out the right amount into your shaker, squeeze in your fresh lime juice, and give it a good shake with some ice. Let it flow into your fancy glasses, glam it up with your garnishes, and start serving these babies straight up. Remember to polish it off within a couple of days to get that fresh, limey goodness.
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