Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Print Recipe
4.67 from 3 votes

Cadillac Margarita

A Cadillac Margarita is the upgraded, top-shelf version of a classic margarita, made with quality reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice. Three ingredients, five minutes, and a smoother sip than any margarita mix can deliver.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 drink
Author: Kristin Maxwell

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces premium reposado tequila (Patron, Herradura, or similar)
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier
  • 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce agave syrup or simple syrup optional, for a sweeter drink
  • Coarse salt for rimming the glass
  • Lime wheel or wedge for garnish

Instructions

  • Pour coarse salt onto a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the outside edge of a rocks or coupe glass to wet the rim, then dip the rim into the salt to coat.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice (and the agave or simple syrup if using). Secure the lid and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail over the ice and garnish with a lime wheel.

Notes

  • Tequila quality. Reposado is the traditional choice and gives the drink its smoother, oak-aged character. A mid-range bottle is plenty.
  • Grand Marnier vs. Cointreau. Grand Marnier is the right call here. Cointreau works as a substitute but the drink will taste closer to a regular margarita.
  • Sweetness. The agave or simple syrup is optional. Add it if your lime juice is especially tart or you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
  • Float technique. For a fancier presentation, hold back the Grand Marnier, shake the tequila and lime alone, then float the Grand Marnier on top by pouring slowly over the back of a spoon.
  • Pitcher version. Multiply the measurements, combine everything except ice in a pitcher, refrigerate, and pour over individually iced glasses.
  • Frozen version. Blend 6 oz tequila, 4 oz Grand Marnier, 3 oz lime juice, 1 to 2 oz agave or simple syrup, and 4 to 5 cups ice for 4 frozen servings.
  • Storage. Mixed cocktail (without ice) keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days. Hold off on adding fresh lime juice if making more than 24 hours ahead.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin C: 6mg

QR code

Scan this QR code with your phone's camera to view this recipe on your mobile device.

qr code