Like its name suggests, the Cadillac Margarita is a luxurious upgrade to the classic summertime cocktail.
My uncle owned Cadillac cars. And if you’ve never been in one, they’re exactly the way you’d imagine them to be. Incredibly large interior, plush seating… my first time riding in one, it felt like I was in a mobile living room. While not as ridiculous as a stretch limousine, these cars were absolute boats on wheels when cruising down the Van Wyck Expressway in Queens. And if my uncle honked the horn, it sounded like a semi-truck. I witnessed more than one person drop groceries and nearly jump out of their skin whenever that thing blasted. Along with earthquake-inducing horns, his Caddies usually had 40 mph bumpers, reflective license plates and other “extra” goodies… All of it was incredibly cool, right out of a James Bond movie almost. I’m sure it wasn’t exactly street-legal, either.
You may have heard the expression “make it a Cadillac”, regarding anything from omelettes to sandwiches, and even cocktails. It basically means that whatever it is you’re making, use only the best, top-tier and fanciest components. Take tonight’s drink for example, aptly named the Cadillac Margarita. At the end of the day, it’s just a classic Margarita. But instead of using clear blanco tequila, triple sec and whatever pre-squeezed lime juice you have on hand, the Cadillac Margarita upgrades the whole experience by using top-shelf ingredients.
This is not a tipple that you sip on whilst donning loud resort wear and board shorts. The Cadillac Margarita is a drink that demands dinner jackets and evening gowns, as you trade glances across the deck of a yacht with a saucy stranger, the twinkling lights of the casinos shining on the distant shore. Or maybe a few of these might bring that spirit to your living room on a Friday night. Only one way to find out.
What Is Grand Marnier?
The main splurge that makes this cocktail an opulent one is the use of Grand Marnier in place of the triple sec. While the latter is clear in color and has notes of citrus, specifically orange, Grand Marnier is a more complex-tasting and potent liqueur. Cognac-based and made with fresh orange zest, it also features flavors of vanilla, caramel and candied orange.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Cadillac Margarita?
Margaritas are traditionally made with a clear blanco, or silver, tequila. But for the Cadillac, we’ll want to switch things up by using an amber reposado tequila or a darker añejo. Both are aged in oak barrels, with the añejo going through the process for a longer time, up to three years. You’ll notice right away that when compared to traditional Margaritas, the Cadillac offers a more full-bodied and elevated experience, especially when you treat yourself to the very best your local liquor store has to offer.
Ingredients
- Salt to rim the glass optional
- 1 1/2 ounces aged tequila reposado or añejo
- 1 ounce orange liqueur like Grand Marnier
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup optional
- Lime wheel for garnishing
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
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?
A long-stemmed and wide-mouthed Margarita glass with a salted rim, chilled in your freezer for up to thirty minutes and filled with fresh ice, will keep your Caddy cold. A rocks glass works too. Garnish with a lime wheel, and all of your caviar dreams will come true.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T HAVE A COCKTAIL SHAKER?
Well, you might want to get one, but if you’re in a bind, fear not. This past Christmas I shook up a few cocktails for my family without a shaker. I found a stainless steel travel mug that had a lid, which my parents used for coffee. I filled it with ice and shook up our cocktails over the sink, just in case of spillage. Worked like a charm.
Other Margarita Variations Worth Trying
There are more Margaritas in the world than stars in the sky. And while that’s probably not true, from a scientific standpoint, those delicious and pleasing tequila-based cocktails definitely appear to be as abundant, and just as nice to look at. Twist & Toast has quite the ‘Rita recipe collection, with each one being equally mouthwatering. Check out just a few of them below, then explore the site for more.
- Coconut Margarita – A creamy, cold and tropical-tasting version of the original.
- Sangria Margarita – This frozen concoction features red wine and tangy citrus.
- Cucumber Margarita – This fresh and spicy drink brings a little heat.
- Virgin Margarita– Taking a booze break but still a little thirsty? This one’s for you.
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