Welcome the spring season with our simple Cadillac Margarita recipe! The blend of Tequila, lime juice, Grand Marnier, and a salt rim creates an invigorating cocktail.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
191
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Tequila
- 1 oz Grand Marnier
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Salt - for rimming, optional
Equipment
- Margarita Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Rim your margarita glass with salt (if desired): to do so, use a lime slice to slightly wet the rim of the glass. Then, delicately press the edge of the glass into the surface of a plate filled with salt. Once you are done, fill the glass with ice and set it aside.
- Add Lime Juice: In your shaker, pour ¾ oz fresh lime juice.
- Add Grand Marnier: Add 1 oz Grand Marnier.
- Add Tequila: Finally, measure out and pour 1½ oz Tequila into the shaker.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice cubes, close it well, and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Discard the ice inside the Margarita glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Tequila: If you're out of Tequila, use mezcal for a smokier flavor profile. I've also tried using gin, but it does change the character of the drink significantly (the result will be closer to a White Lady than to an actual Margarita).
- Grand Marnier: You can substitute with another orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec. They're not as rich as Grand Marnier, but they do the job.
- Fresh Lime Juice: I've used bottled lime juice in a pinch. It's not as fresh-tasting but works when limes aren't unavailable. Otherwise, you can also make this cocktail using fresh lemon juice.
Making a Pitcher of Cadillac Margarita:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Tequila, 8 oz of Grand Marnier, and 6 oz of fresh lime juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lime juice, Grand Marnier and Tequila. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice and serve immediately into Margarita glasses rimmed with salt. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep them in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container. It should be kept for about 3-4 days.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
Keep in mind that, as the Cadillac Margarita cocktail is almost solely made out of alcoholic ingredients, it can be hard to recreate its flavor using only non-alcoholic substitutes; the overall flavor and mouthfeel will probably change greatly from the original drink.- Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. Otherwise, you can use fresh orange juice as a substitute.
- Grand Marnier Substitute: Opt for an orange extract mixed with a bit of simple syrup to mimic the sweet citrus flavor of Triple Sec. Agave syrup can do the trick as well.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Check Your Brands: Grand Marnier and most tequilas are vegan-friendly, but it's always good to check your specific brands to be sure. Some brands may use animal products in their processing methods.
- Serve: Once you've confirmed your alcohol is vegan-friendly, proceed with the recipe as usual. Enjoy your vegan Cadillac Margarita!
What is a Cadillac Margarita?
A Cadillac Margarita is a tequila-based cocktail made of premium ingredients, including Tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. It’s not difficult to make, but it requires more attention to detail than your average margarita due to the ingredients’ quality. This drink is a variant of the classic margarita, with the main difference being the use of Grand Marnier instead of triple sec. The Cadillac Margarita is known for its smooth and sophisticated flavor profile, which comes from using high-quality Tequila and Grand Marnier – a French liqueur made from cognac and distilled essence of bitter orange.
What is a Cadillac Margarita made of – The ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create a Cadillac Margarita:
- Tequila: The primary alcohol in a Cadillac Margarita, Tequila gives the cocktail its distinctive kick and flavor. Choose a high-quality, 100% agave tequila for the best taste.
- Grand Marnier: This orange-flavored liqueur adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the drink. It’s what sets a Cadillac Margarita apart from other margarita variations.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the Grand Marnier and Tequila. It also adds a refreshing citrus note.
- Salt (for rimming): A salted rim enhances the flavors of the cocktail and provides a savory contrast to the sweet and sour elements within.
