A proper Cadillac Margarita is just like the name suggests – the best of the best! Premium resposado, orange liqueur and freshly squeezed lime juice come together to create the smoothest margarita you’ll ever sip. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, summertime parties or any other time you’re craving a citrusy cocktail!

A cadillac margarita is garnished with a lime wedge.


Cadillac Margarita

A cadillac margarita is exactly what you think it is – the cadillac of margaritas. It’s got the best tequila and the perfect amounts of orange liqeuer (Grand Marnier or Cointreau are my personal favorites) and freshly squeezed lime juice. Together, it creates the smoothest, best tasting margarita you’ll ever have.

And don’t get me wrong – I love a good classic margarita as much as the next gal. Margarita mix also has a very special place in my heart. But there’s something about the way a top shelf cocktail tastes that just hits different!

Cadillac margaritas are great for shaking up when you have guests over for dinner parties, Cinco de Mayo, game day or any other special occasion that calls for margaritas. If you’re anything like me… you probably think every occasion calls for margaritas. Cheers!

The ingredients for a cadillac margarita are placed on a white surface.

Ingredient Notes

Take a quick look at this short list of ingredients before you head to your local liquor store! For exact measurements, keep on scrolling all the way down to the recipe card.

  • Reposado Tequila – Top shelf reposado tequila isn’t the silver tequila you’re probably used to. It’s been aged longer and has a golden color to it. It’s pricier than other tequilas but well worth it to make this proper cadillac margarita!
  • Orange Liqueur – Cointreau and Grand Marnier are both excellent options. Keep in mind that Cointreau has more orange flavor while Grand Marnier is sweeter, so choose according to your tastes.
  • Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice is really the only way to go! Bottled lime juice will not create the same flavor here. In a cadillac margarita recipe like this, only the best of the best will get the job done.
  • Salt – You’ll need some coarse salt and lime juice to rim the glasses with.

PRO TIP: Want to make your drink sweeter? You can always mix in a splash of simple syrup. Or, consider going the extra mile with some agave nectar.

A lime is being used to rim the glass.
A glass is being dipped into coarse salt.
A cocktail is being poured through a strainer into a glass.

How to Make a Cadillac Margarita

Take a sneak peek at how simple this process is! For more detailed step by step instructions, keep on scrolling all the way down to the recipe card.

  1. Shake! This is the fun part, of course! Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Then, pour in the precise measurements of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. Close the lid nice and tight and shake vigorously.
  2. Rim the glass. Rub a lime all over the rim of the glass to coat it. Dip it into a plate or shallow bowl filled with coarse salt.
  3. Cheers! Strain the cocktail into a rimmed glass filled with ice. You can toss out the “dirty” ice (the ice in the shaker). Garnish with a lime and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Cadillac Margarita

Get the best results every time with these simple tips and tricks:

  • Don’t use triple sec. For the best quality and flavor, you’ll want a brandy-based liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
  • Use reposado tequila. Here’s the deal… you can use a silver tequila, but it will no longer be a cadillac margarita. Reposado tequila has a more mellow flavor from the lengthy resting process. It’s worth the price!
  • Rim your glass. Sure, you can skip the rim if you want. However, there’s something so satisfying about the salty lime rim that compliments the margarita. I never serve a margarita without a rimmed glass, especially when I’m serving guests.
A margarita is served in front of a bucket filled with ice.

On your marg, get set, go!

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A cocktail is being poured through a strainer into a glass.

Get the Recipe: Cadillac Margarita Recipe

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
The Cadillac margarita is a premium twist on the classic margarita, featuring top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier for a smoother, more complex flavor. The addition of Grand Marnier adds a touch of sweetness and orange notes, balancing the tartness of the lime juice. It's typically served in a salt-rimmed glass with a lime wedge garnish, making it a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail choice.
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces premium reposado tequila
  • 1 ounce premium brandy-based orange liquor such as Grand Marnier
  • 1 ounce freshly squeeze lime juice
  • Course salt, for the rim
  • Sliced lime for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker

Instructions 

  • Fill a large cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Pour the tequila, orange liquor and lime juice over the ice. Shake well.
  • Wet the rim of a glass with the lime and dip in a tray of coarse salt.
  • Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice
  • Garnish with lime and serve.

Notes

You can substitute Grand Marnier for another premium orange flavored liquor.
 
Calories: 193kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.03g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 43mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 14IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 0.1mg
Author: Kellie
Course: adult beverage, Cocktail, drink
Cuisine: Mexican