Cadillac Margarita

Name: Cadillac Margarita
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 ounces reposado tequila; 1 ounce Grand Marnier; 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime); Ice; Additional lime slices (for garnish, optional); Coarse sea salt (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Let’s upgrade your tequila game with this Cadillac margarita! Made with barrel-aged tequila, rich Grand Marnier and freshly squeezed lime juice, this top-shelf margarita is simple yet full of flavor thanks to its high-quality ingredients. This will be your new go-to margarita recipe.

Two Cadillac margaritas with salt around them and limes and flowers to the side.

Jump to:

Why You Need to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Recipe FAQs
Expert Tips
Perfect Pairing
Can’t Get Enough Margaritas?
Cadillac Margarita

Why You Need to Make This Recipe

The ultimate premium margarita. Cadillac margaritas use only top-shelf ingredients to make a drink that goes down oh-so smoothly.
Quick and easy as it gets. This may be a high-quality margarita, but that doesn't mean it's difficult to make. Even the beginner mixologist can whip up this cocktail like a pro.
Universally beloved. Everyone loves even a basic house margarita. Now imagine how happy they'll be when you set a top-shelf margarita in front of your guests.
Perfect for parties. Not only is a Cadillac margarita a real crowd pleaser but you can easily size up the recipe to serve a large group.

Ingredients

You may have noticed I specified reposado tequila. I almost always prefer reposado in my margaritas, but blanco tequila makes a fine substitution. However, Cadillac margaritas specifically call for reposado.

While blanco tequila doesn't spend any time aging, reposado tequila rests in barrels for two to 12 months. This time in the barrel gives reposado a distinct taste that shows off nutty, vanilla and sweet spice notes, and it makes for a smoother drinking experience.

The other essential ingredient for a top-shelf Cadillac margarita is the Grand Marnier, which is a brandy-based orange liqueur. Most house margaritas use triple sec as the orange liqueur, but Grand Marnier imparts a richer citrus that reminds me of candied peel. I truly think it makes for a more delicious margarita.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: We grab a cocktail shaker and add our tequila, Grand Marnier and freshly squeezed lime juice (photo 1).

Pouring the Grand Marnier into a clear cocktail shaker.

Step 2: Now we throw in some ice, put on the top and give it a vigorous shake (photo 2).

Shaking the drink vigorously in the cocktail shaker.

Step 3: For a salted rim, we run a lime slice along our serving glass and then swirl it in a plate of coarse sea salt (photo 3).

Swirling the glass in sea salt to garnish.

Step: With our salted rim prepared, we add ice and then strain our margarita into the glass. Now raise a glass to toast and enjoy!

Looking down at two Cadillac margaritas with a plate of limes to the left.

Recipe FAQs

What makes a Cadillac margarita so special?

A Cadillac margarita isn’t like a house margarita. It’s specifically made with reposado tequila and Grand Marnier. These premium ingredients make it the “Cadillac” of margaritas if you will.

Can you make pitcher style?

You sure can! Cadillac margaritas are great for serving in a pitcher for parties. I included proportions in the notes section of the recipe card for a 12-serving pitcher.

If you need more customized measurements, you can easily make the calculations. Cocktails are traditionally measured in ounces, but cups is easier for making a big batch. To get the cups measurement, simply multiple the ounces by the number of desired servings, and then divide that number by eight.

Can I substitute bottled lime juice for fresh?

I highly recommend using fresh lime juice. After all, this margarita is all about using the highest-quality ingredients. Bottled juice isn’t nearly as bright and flavorful as fresh lime juice.

Expert Tips

Pick limes that give in when you squeeze them. This ensures they’re nice and juicy.
Before juicing the lime, firmly roll it on the countertop a few times to help get the juice flowing.
The best mixing technique is to use two hands while shaking. This helps ensure you get enough vigorous force behind the shake.
Cadillac margaritas traditionally don’t call for sweetener. However, if you prefer a little extra sweetness, add 1 ounce of simple syrup or agave nectar.

Perfect Pairing

Of course, margaritas call for Mexican food, and I have some delicious options for you. Love tacos? Try my lobster tacos or Greek lamb tacos. Can't get enough nachos? My jerk pork nachos or ahi nachos are tasty dishes with this Cadillac margarita.

And just in case you need a little more inspiration, you can't go wrong with any of these recipes.

For the ultimate top-shelf margarita, I hope you try this Cadillac margarita. Every sip is as refreshing as it gets, and you won't find a more perfect party cocktail.

Cheers!

A close-up of a Cadillac margarita with orange flowers on the left.

Can’t Get Enough Margaritas?

If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating -- or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.