Cadillac Margarita Recipe
Using a good reposado tequila and real orange liqueur instead of cheap mixer gives the drink actual depth, and floating Grand Marnier on top instead of shaking it in means the first sip hits with concentrated orange and brandy notes before it melts into the margarita underneath.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 5 min
- Servings
- 1
Ingredients
- 2 fl oz tequila (100% agave reposado or blanco)
- 1 fl oz Cointreau or other orange liqueur
- 1 fl oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 fl oz agave syrup
- 1/2 fl oz Grand Marnier, for the float
- 1 tbsp coarse salt, for the rim
- 1 wheel lime wheel, for garnish
- 1 cup ice
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbs
- 34g
- Fat
- 0g
Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.
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Instructions
- 1Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim in coarse salt to coat about half the rim.
- 2Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave syrup.
- 3Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels ice-cold.
- 4Fill the salt-rimmed glass with fresh ice and strain the shaken margarita over it.
- 5Slowly pour the Grand Marnier over the back of a spoon so it floats in a distinct layer on top instead of mixing in.
- 6Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately, stirring once or twice with a straw right before drinking.
Tips & variations
- A reposado tequila brings a light oak note that stands up to the orange liqueur better than blanco, though blanco keeps the drink brighter and more citrus-forward.
- Skip the agave syrup for a drier, more classic margarita, the Grand Marnier float already adds noticeable sweetness on its own.
- For a smoky version, swap half the tequila for mezcal, the char pairs well with the orange float.
- To batch for a party, mix the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave in a pitcher at the same ratio, then shake or stir individual glasses over ice and float the Grand Marnier on each one right before serving.
Storage & reheating
This cocktail is meant to be drunk fresh since the ice dilutes it as it sits. The shaken base (tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave) can be batched and refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days; add ice and float the Grand Marnier only when ready to serve.
Tips from the Tulo kitchen
- Chilling the rocks glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before rimming it helps the salt stay put and keeps the drink colder longer once poured.
- Squeeze the limes just before shaking; bottled lime juice tastes noticeably flatter and throws off the balance of the drink.
FAQ
What makes a margarita a 'Cadillac' margarita?
The name refers to using top-shelf ingredients, specifically 100% agave tequila and real Grand Marnier floated on top, instead of the cheap tequila and mixer used in a standard margarita.
What's the difference between a Cadillac margarita and a regular margarita?
A regular margarita is typically tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice shaken together. A Cadillac margarita uses better tequila and adds a separate float of Grand Marnier on top rather than mixing all the orange liqueur in at once.
Can I use Grand Marnier in place of Cointreau in the shaken part too?
Yes, though it's more common to shake with a lighter triple sec or Cointreau and reserve the Grand Marnier just for the float, since Grand Marnier's cognac base is richer and works best as the standout top note.
What glass should a Cadillac margarita be served in?
A rocks glass (old fashioned glass) with a salted rim is standard; a margarita glass works too but doesn't hold the float layer as visibly as a shorter rocks glass does.
