This Cadillac Margarita recipe takes the classic tequila cocktail to the next level! The recipe is easy, and you’ll save a small fortune making this drink at home rather than paying top dollar at restaurants.
Jessica’s Recipe Science
- Freshly squeezed lime juice delivers bright acidity, and aromatic compounds from the zest enhance the citrus aroma.
- Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels, adding deeper, smoother notes and a warm golden hue to the cocktail.
- Cointreau and Grand Marnier are citrus liqueurs that add bright orange flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Featured Comment 6
“It was great and no dispute about it.”—Teddy
Why It Works
Over the years, my husband Jason and I were able to taste test many of Southern California’s so-called best margaritas to come up with this recipe. Once you try this grand Cadillac version, there’s no looking back. Now we can shake up a glass right at home and make multiple servings without the restaurant price. I like to make tacos for dinner while my husband prepares the cocktail.
The base of the recipe remains the same – lime juice, a high-quality tequila, and Cointreau. To balance the tanginess, I add a mixture of sweeteners. And just like at popular Mexican restaurants, I serve the margarita with a Grand Marnier float in a shot glass on the side. Pour it on top, take a sip, and enjoy.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- Tequila: The choice of tequila comes down to personal preference and budget. The best tequila Jason and I prefer to use is Frida Kahlo tequila reposado. It has a smooth finish with aromas of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and white pepper. Alternatively, Casamigos makes a smooth tequila as well.
- Limes: It’s easy to grab a big bottle of premade sour mix. However, the overly tangy, gritty liquid does not compare to the superior taste of freshly squeezed lime juice. All you need is one big juicy lime for a single 6-ounce cocktail serving.
- Sweeteners: To balance the lime juice’s acidity, add a hint of sweetness. I use a blend of simple syrup for a straightforward sugar flavor and agave syrup for added complexity. The agave nectar has a golden color with caramel notes and complements the tequila, as they share the same plant origin. Adjust the sweetener level to your liking.
- Cointreau: Cointreau is a triple-sec style orange liqueur made from sugar beet alcohol infused with bitter and sweet orange peels for a crisp, smooth flavor. It’s clear and 40% ABV, but it adds a refined taste to the margarita.
- Grand Marnier: For a classic Cadillac margarita finish, float a small amount of Grand Marnier on top just before serving. Its deep caramel color comes from distilling the Cognac with bitter orange essence and sugar. At restaurants, this is often poured tableside for a more elevated presentation.
- Ice: Added to the shaker to quickly chill the margarita when shaking, then served with the delicious cocktail.
- Rimming the Glass: If you like a salty rim, you’ll need lime wedges and margarita salt or kosher salt.
See the recipe card below for all ingredients and measurements (US and metric).
Ingredient Substitutions
This Cadillac Margarita recipe is easy to customize! Try these tasty options:
- Tequila Options: The most common options are silver or reposado tequila for their versatility, which lends well to mixing with other premium ingredients. I prefer reposado for the flavor it imparts to tequila during aging. I find it delivers more exciting notes and adds a caramel-like color to the cocktail. Each top-shelf tequila brand has a distinct taste, so the fun part is trying different types to discover your preferences.
- Sweetener Swaps: Try honey for a floral sweetness, or maple syrup with caramel notes that pair especially well with reposado tequila. Granulated or superfine sugar works in a pinch if shaken well to dissolve, and options like coconut sugar or date syrup add a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Citrus Liqueur Substitutes: Other orange liqueurs like Triple Sec or Curacao work well. For a slightly richer flavor, try Brandy with a splash of orange juice to mimic the depth of Grand Marnier.
- Flavoring the Rim: Instead of limes, you can use orange, pineapple, or water. It’s nice to have the rim’s flavor complement the cocktail’s taste.
- Flavoring the Salt: Finely grate the lime peel, orange, ot lemon, and toss it in the rimming salt to infuse some essential oils from the citrus.
How to Make a Cadillac Margarita
Step 1: Make the Margarita
Fill the shaker about half full with ice. This step keeps the ingredients cold, helps mix and dissolve the sweeteners, and, if shaken vigorously, adds a slight frothiness. Then add the tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, simple syrup, and Cointreau. Shake it for 15 seconds.
Pro Tip: You need a few essential tools to make the margarita. I use a steel cocktail shaker for quickly mixing the ingredients. Mine has a jigger cap for measuring and a built-in strainer on top for easy pouring. You can also purchase a jigger separately that provides additional measurement options.
Step 2: Salt the Rim (Optional)
Use a lime wedge to rub the juice on the rim of the glass. You can also place some liquid in a shallow bowl, invert the glass, and dip it about ¼-inch. This process helps the salt adhere to the moistened surface. Alternatively, if making several drinks, a glass rimmer works well for salting, and it includes a sponge to apply the rim liquid.
There are two ways to salt the rim of a glass: #1) roll the edges, or #2) dip straight in. To avoid getting salt in the drink, use the rolling method. Place the salt on a plate about ¼-inch deep. Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle and roll it until some is sticking around the entire rim. You won’t have a perfect line, but it prevents a salty drink. Alternatively, dip the rim straight down into the salt. You’ll have a thin, evenly coated edge for those who don’t mind a little going into the glass.
Step 3: To Serve
This recipe makes a 6-ounce serving, so use a 10-ounce glass or a 24-ounce size if making a double. A round glass with straight sides or classic margarita glasses is ideal. Fill your serving glass with a few ice cubes, then pour in the margarita mixture.
Add the Grand Marnier on top last for a pleasant orange aroma that gradually infuses down into the cocktail. If making a batch, you can mix it directly into the cocktail rather than letting it float.
I like to serve Cadillac margaritas with chips and homemade salsa, cheesy chicken enchiladas, or sizzling steak fajitas!
Frequently Asked Questions
A Cadillac Margarita is a top-shelf version of the classic, made with tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and a float of Grand Marnier, often with a salted rim. The upgrade comes from using Grand Marnier, a cognac-based liqueur that adds richer citrus, vanilla, and oak notes for more depth. It follows the same flavor balance, acid from lime, sweetness from the liqueur, and the boldness of tequila, but delivers a smoother flavor and finish.
Silver or Blanco is unaged and clean-tasting. Look for 100% agave for the highest flavor quality. Joven is a blend primarily of Silver with a small amount of aged tequila for a deeper flavor, but still light in taste. Reposado is aged for 2 to 12 months in oak barrels to add more dimension. For a heartier, smokier note, try mezcal. Tequila añejo is aged for at least 12 months, and extra añejo for at least 3 years, but its robust taste is better sipped on its own.
Some tequila companies make their own glass rimmers using margarita salt, and they come in a variety of flavors. Alternatively, you can use kosher salt, such as Diamond Crystal, or sea salt. To customize the flavor at home, mix the salt with lemon, lime, or orange zest. Even Tajín works well for a spicy, tangy taste. Some even use sugar, but that’s less common in margaritas.
The main difference between a regular margarita and a top-shelf Cadillac Margarita comes down to the quality of ingredients. A regular margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and a standard orange liqueur like triple sec. A Cadillac Margarita is a top-shelf version that upgrades the orange liqueur to Grand Marnier and often uses higher-quality tequila, giving it a richer, smoother flavor with more complex citrus and subtle vanilla notes. The structure is the same, but the Cadillac delivers a more refined, elevated taste.
More Drink Recipes
If you tried this Cadillac Margarita Recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!
Cadillac Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces reposado tequila
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce agave syrup
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce Cointreau
- ½ ounce Grand Marnier
- lime wedges, optional
- margarita salt, or kosher salt, optional
Instructions
- Make the Margarita – Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, simple syrup, and Cointreau. Cover and vigorously shake for 15 seconds.
- Salt the Rim (Optional) – Rub a lime wedge around the rim to moisten. Spread salt on a small plate, then dip the rim straight down or roll at a 45-degree angle to coat the outer edge.
- To Serve – Fill the glass halfway with ice, then pour the margarita over the top. Slowly add the Grand Marnier to float on the surface. If desired, add a lime wedge for garnish. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Recipe Yield: 6-ounce margarita (one serving)
- Glass Size: Use a 10-ounce glass for a single serving, or a 24-ounce glass for a double serving.
- Tequila Options: Blanco (silver) is unaged with a clean flavor. Joven blends blanco with a touch of aged tequila for subtle depth. Reposado is aged 2–12 months for more complexity. For a smoky twist, try mezcal.
- Rim Options: Use water, lime, orange, lemon, or pineapple pieces or juice for the rim. Mix some lime, lemon, or orange zest into the salt. Add some Tajin for a spicy and tangy flavor. Use granulated sugar instead of salt for a sweetened rim.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Debra Hunts says
How would you make it for 6 servings instead of making 6 individual drinks?
Miles says
Since the mid – Nineties we always called this a “Mercedes Margarita”.
Jessica Gavin says
I love it!
Lynn Drott says
Love a good marg…Will definitely try this one. You know just how you want your drink made, then some bartender will insist their recipe is the BEST. You’re the customer, they’re working for you. Tell them it’s your dime so you want your version, no arguments. ???
Jessica Gavin says
I hope you enjoy this margarita recipe, Lynn. Cheers!
Teddy says
It was great and no dispute about it…