Love a classic margarita? Then you’re going to love this smooth, premium margarita with a surprising burst of sweet orange flavor from the addition of Grand Marnier.
Can we just fast forward to Cinco de Mayo? No? Well, I just might pretend. Regardless, it’s a great time to kick back, relax and enjoy a Cadillac Margarita from the comfort of your own home.
If you haven’t noticed from my Skinny Margarita, Classic Homemade Margarita and array of flavored margaritas like Mango or Watermelon, I’m margarita obsessed! Want to spice up your life? Try my jalapeno margarita recipe!
In fact, I’ve even published a complete guide to making the BEST margaritas – with every margarita recipe I have! Don’t miss it!
PS… there’s no time like the present to whip up your own Margarita Mix so you’re always prepared! I promise it’s the only margarita mix you’ll ever need.
This margarita recipe is made with the best ingredients! Skip the Triple Sec – this margarita deserves so much more! Premium ingredients are what sets a cadillac margarita apart from the rest.
I like to give a lot of detail in my recipe posts to guide readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, feel free to click “jump to recipe” right under the title of this post and you’ll head straight there!
What is a Cadillac Margarita?
First up, I wanted to share a little detail about a Cadillac marg. If you’ve never had one, I sure hope you’ll give this one a try!
The name Cadillac simply implies that the ingredients are top shelf, or top of the line… it’s the “cadillac” of all margaritas. It’s the premium liquors that change the entire feel of this cocktail! Whereas a classic margarita uses triple sec, this Cadillac drink uses Grand Marnier.
Even more special, this premium cadillac margarita recipe uses a float, which is a fun cocktail technique I think you’ll enjoy. Read on for all the details!
Cadillac Drink Ingredients
- Tequila – A high quality top shelf aged reposado tequila is what makes this tequila cocktail stand above the rest. You can always use a silver tequila if you prefer, but either way, I recommend 100% agave.
- Lime Juice – Fresh squeezed lime juice or purchased in the produce or juice section in the grocery store. Avoid “lime juice” in the liquor aisle as it has a lot of additives. Fresh squeezed is a game changer in an authentic, flavorful margarita.
- Simple Syrup – Simple syrup is made by combining sugar and water over heat. It’s simple to make at home or you can purchase in the liquor aisle of your grocer. Combined with lime juice you have a fresh sweet and sour mix that is perfectly balanced.
- Grand Marnier – Cognac based orange liqueur takes the Cadillac Margarita over the top!
- Crushed Ice – This is my secret ingredient. It melts just a touch to make a margarita less tart. Of course you can always serve your margarita on the rocks with larger ice cubes if you prefer.
- Orange Slice – A fresh orange slice makes a great garnish.
How to Make a Cadillac Margarita
- Rim a glass with lime juice or simple syrup and salt.
- Add crushed ice to your glasses.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Strain into glasses with salted rims over ice.
- Finally, you’ll add your shot of Grand Marnier as a floater on top. (Learn more about the float below!)
Tips
- Use a good quality tequila! A Cadillac margarita shines with premium ingredients.
- Fresh lime juice is also extremely important.
- Don’t skip the float! It’s what makes this margarita recipe unique.
The Best Tequila for a Margarita
I can guarantee that the answer to this question is certainly up for debate! However, I do have a few recommendations based on my own years of margarita-drinking experience.
- Try a Blanco (also known as silver) tequila. These aren’t aged so they have a lot of agave flavor! Patron Silver would be a great option here!
- Reposado is another type of tequila that works well for your cocktails. It’s aged in oak barrels… just like all my favorite wines!
- Añejo tequila is also aged, but it takes it even further than Reposado, turning the tequila into a richer, amber color.
Ideally, your margarita should not ever be overly sweet, as this takes away the flavor of the tequila and other ingredients. Allow the fresh, wholesome ingredients to shine!
Why Use Crushed Ice in a Margarita
Ice is a critical choice in any margarita. Again, opinions will vary in this department. Personally, I am a fan of crushed ice in margaritas.
Many people feel that solid ice is best because it won’t melt as fast. I disagree- I love that the crushed ice will add the perfect amount of water to a strong margarita, making the tequila just a touch more palatable.
If you want the ultimate crushed ice for your margaritas (or any drink!) check out our counter top ice maker. It’s the perfect soft ice for cocktails!
Why Use a Floater in a Cadillac Margarita
This particular margarita features a float of Grand Marnier. A float is very simply a layer of alcohol on the top of a cocktail, without mixing it into the drink.
The float of Grand Marnier is what creates a completely unique Cadillac margarita! In this recipe, that initial burst of sweet orange liqueur is what takes this margarita over the top. Give it a try!
Amazing Mexican Recipes to Pair With Your Cadillac Margarita
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Cadillac Margarita
Ingredients
- 3 ounces tequila Premium
- 3 ounces lime juice fresh squeezed
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 2 ounces Grand Marnier
- crushed ice
- 1 orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add crushed ice to a salted glass.
- Shake tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Pour over crushed ice into a salt rimmed glass.
- Float the Grand Marnier on top of margarita.
Notes
- Use a good quality tequila! A Cadillac margarita shines with premium ingredients.
- Fresh lime juice is also extremely important.
- Don’t skip the float! It’s what makes this margarita recipe unique.
WOW, this drink is amazing. I will be serving this next time we need a cocktail.
hanks, Laura! Cheers!
This is so easy to make!! Really amazing!
This is seriously amazing. I may or may not have made a few too many 🙂
Hands down the best recipe for margarita’s, I use a small amount of Agave syrup instead of simple syrup, perfect. Thank you Julie!
Perfect! So glad you enjoyed it, Marilyn!
Me and my husband really loved it! So easy to make and so delish!
Yummy and so refreshing. Perfect for summertime…after the kids go to bed. lol
Okay this one is right up my alley! Can’t wait to try this weekend!
Another way to enjoy, we use our snow cone machine and make Margarita snow cones.
Thank you, Cindy! Looks like I’m ordering a snow cone machine today! Love that idea!