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March 29, 2021

Cadillac Margarita || Best Summer Cocktail

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A single margarita glass filled with a Cadillac Margarita with a lime wedge

A DELICIOUS & EASY CADILLAC MARGARITA

This Cadillac Margarita recipe is the premium Summer cocktail you’ve been looking for.  Made with smooth reposado tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice and topped with a delicious orange liqueur.  I dare you to have just one!

Do you love a classic margarita as much as we do?  If so, you are going to love this smooth, delicious Cadillac drink perfect for all of your Summer festivities.  Cinco de Mayo, anyone?  

You may be asking yourself “what is the difference between a classic margarita and a Cadillac margarita?”  The term “Cadillac” simply refers to the fact this margarita cocktail is made with the best possible, premium or top-shelf ingredients.  A Cadillac Margarita is often referred to as a Golden Cadillac drink, as well.  

Also, if you like margaritas, I highly recommend trying a Frozen Pineapple Margarita | Best Summer Cocktail, too!

CADILLAC MARGARITA ESSENTIALS

In this margarita recipe, we will cover the following. Feel free to use the links below to navigate this post.

A bottle of Grand Marnier, flowers and lime wedges

WHAT IS A CADILLAC MARGARITA? 

A margarita is a simple cocktail using lime, tequila, and triple sec. A Cadillac Margarita elevates the original recipe and uses aged quality tequila reposado in place of silver tequila and Grand Marnier in place of classic triple sec. 

And trust us, the surprising burst of sweet orange flavor from the Grand Marnier is a welcomed addition to this premium Cadillac Margarita recipe.  

A single margarita glass filled with a Cadillac Margarita with a lime wedge

CADILLAC MARGARITA INGREDIENTS 

  • Premium Tequila (such as Reposado Tequila) 
  • Grand Marnier
  • Fresh sqeezed lime juice 
  • Simple syrup or agave syrup
  • Ice cubes (we try to use crushed ice, when possible)
  • Salt for the rim of the glasses (sea salt or kosher salt)
  • Orange and lime wheels for garnish (optional)

HOW TO MAKE A CADILLAC MARGARITA

  1. Wet the rim of a margarita glass or short cocktail glass with lime juice, agave syrup or simple syrup.  Salt the rims of the glasses with sea salt.
  2. Add ice into your glass and set aside. 
  3. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.  Add fresh lime juice, simple syrup or agave syrup and tequila.  Shake for 10-15 seconds until chilled and well combined.  
  4. Strain the cocktail mixture into a glass filled with ice.  
  5. Last, add a shot of Grand Marnier and garnish with an orange and lime wheel or lime wedge.  Enjoy!
A single margarita glass filled with a Cadillac Margarita with a lime wedge

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THE BEST TEQUILA FOR A MARGARITA 

While a Cadillac Margarita is made with premium tequila, many premium options can get pretty costly. 

With that said, we are including our favorite premium tequila brands and classic tequila at all price points.  Many, if not all, of the below, are some of the top-rated choices on the market today.  

If you have a favorite type of tequila not listed below, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below so we can expand this list. 🙂

OUR FAVORITE PREMIUM TEQUILA BRANDS: 

  • Casamigo Reposado TequilaCasamigos Reposado is aged for 7 months. It is soft, slightly oaky with hints of caramel and cocoa. It has a silky texture with a medium to long smooth finish.  $54.99 for 750ml
  • Clase Azul ReposadoWhile you’re sipping your Clase Azul Reposado Tequila, you’ll enjoy the scents of spice, cream soda, caramel and agave. The flavors of this tequila include apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. $158 for 750ml
  • Tears of Llorona No. 3 Extra Añejo TequilaTears of Llorona is a rare, small batch, extra anejo Tequila, aged five years in oak barrels that have previously held scotch, sherry, and brandy. This unique triple barreling and extra-long aging creates a complex, layered fusion that is more like a cognac or a very old whiskey, yet it retains clear agave notes.  $250 for 750ml
  • Cazadores ReposadoWhen you sip Cazadores Reposado, you’ll get a taste of the Jalisco Highlands and smell the agave aroma. You’ll also notice warm tasting notes, including baked pear, cinnamon and vanilla.  $45
  • Riazul Tequila Añejo – $60 for 750ml

MORE BUDGET-FRIENDLY TEQUILA OPTIONS: 

  • Milagro 
  • 1800 
  • Patron 
  • Jose Cuervo
  • Casamigos
  • Don Julio
  • Hornito 
  • Camarena

TIPS FOR MAKING A CADILLAC MARGARITA 

The key to making a great Cadillac Margarita is to use the very best ingredients your wallet will allow.  A premium margarita calls for premium ingredients. 

Traditionally, you would want to make a Cadillac Margarita with premium reposado tequila.  However, if you need to make with a Silver Tequila, etc., we say there’s nothing wrong with that!  Again, go for what you can afford.  This Cadillac Margarita recipe will still taste delicious! 

When possible, I also recommend using freshly squeezed lime juice.  Doing so will really enhance the flavor of your margarita cocktail.  Trust me!  

Because a Cadillac Margarita calls for premium ingredients, be sure to choose a premium triple sec, an orange liqueur.  We like to use Grand Marnier (brandy-based), but Cointreau is a great choice, too.  And, if you’re considering skipping this ingredient – don’t.  The Grand Marnier topper is a hero ingredient in this drink recipe.  If necessary, you can also choose to serve the Grand Marnier on the side in a shot glass. 

A bottle of Milagro Silver Tequila

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE CADILLAC MARGARITAS GLUTEN FREE?

Margaritas are typically made with tequila (gluten-free), freshly squeezed lime juice (gluten-free), and triple sec. Most triple sec brands are gluten-free, but we always recommend checking the brand first.

HOW CAN I MAKE A PINK CADILLAC MARGARITA?

If you are considering a Pink Cadillac Margarita add a splash of cranberry and orange juice to the ingredients below.  You won’t be disappointed with this premium margarita recipe, too.  

HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN A MARGARITA?

While it can vary based on the type of tequila and simple syrup you use, this margarita recipe contains approximately 290 calories.  

A single margarita glass filled with a Cadillac Margarita with a lime wedge

LOOKING FOR OTHER DELICIOUS COCKTAIL RECIPES?  HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES: 

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Cadillac Margarita || Best Summer Cocktail

5 from 1 vote
Delicious Cadillac Margarita recipe made with only premium ingredients.
SERVES/MAKES: 2 people
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces Premium Tequila
  • 4 ounces Fresh lime juice
  • 1 1/2 ounces Simple syrup or Agave syrup
  • 2 ounces Grand Marnier (divided)
  • 2 Lime wheels
  • Salt (for rim of glasses)

Instructions:

  • Wet the rim of a margarita glass or short cocktail glass with lime juice, agave syrup or simple syrup.  Salt the rims of the glasses with sea salt.
  • Add ice into your glass and set aside. 
  • Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.  Add fresh lime juice, simple syrup or agave syrup and tequila.  Shake for 10-15 seconds until chilled and well combined.  
  • Strain the cocktail mixture into a glass filled with ice. 
  • Last, add a shot of Grand Marnier and garnish with an orange and lime wheel or lime wedge.  Enjoy!

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