Cadillac Margaritas (Top-Shelf Margarita Recipe)

If you're ready to whip up some seriously stellar, top-shelf margaritas at home, the Cadillac Margarita is where it's at. As the weather warms up, it doesn't get much better than a fresh and flavorful, cold drink.

Cadillac Margaritas are super simple to make, yet so much better than a store-bought mix. So whether you're gearing up for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations or just putting together a little something special to enjoy at home, you've come to the right place!

This is a drink that will seriously take your cocktail game to the next level. The whole idea behind the Cadillac Margarita is quality ingredients. Trust me when I say, your guests will notice the difference!

Looking for more awesome cocktail recipes to try? Bookmark our Watermelon Margaritas in your internet browser for next time!

WHAT IS A CADILLAC MARGARITA?

A Cadillac Margarita is a classic margarita made with premium ingredients. This means you're reaching for the top-shelf tequila and trading out the triple sec for a top-shelf orange liqueur like Grand Marnier. 

You'll also be ditching the margarita mix altogether, and trading it out for freshly squeezed lime juice. No super-processed ingredients are allowed; only the best of the best when it comes to Cadillac Margaritas. 

For your next at-home cocktail endeavor, try our Frozen Margaritas!

CADILLAC MARGARITA INGREDIENTS

Even though this is the crème de la crème of margarita recipes, the ingredient list is about as simple as it gets:

• Tequila
• Orange Liqueur
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Simple Syrup or Agave Syrup

The traditional tequila used in a Cadillac Margarita Recipe is called a Reposado. Reposado tequilas are aged tequilas, with notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and oak.

However, if you have a preference when it comes to tequilas, go with your favorite! 

Silver tequilas (also known as Blanco tequilas) are less pronounced and often citrusy. This tequila will blend in seamlessly with every other ingredient that goes into a Cadillac Margarita, and result in a lighter tequila taste.

If you really like a pronounced tequila flavor in your margaritas, Anejo tequila might be the one for you. Although, its most common use is definitely not for margaritas. This tequila is very strong in flavor, with notes of wood and burnt caramel.

As far as the liqueur goes, for a Cadillac Margarita, it's traditionally Grand Marnier all the way. And, quite a bit of it, so sip slowly. This is what differentiates the Cadillac Margarita from all the other margaritas being whipped up behind the bar.

If you want the quality of the Cadillac Margarita but a little easier on the wallet and the waistline, I consider the Skinny Margarita to be the opposite of the Cadillac in those ways, yet still a top-notch drink.

You'll find most restaurant margaritas come liquored up with a low-budget triple sec. Triple sec is an inexpensive orange liqueur that can best be described as a pungently sweet, somewhat overpowering, artificial flavor.

Cointreau is considered a triple sec, but it is an exceptionally well-made one, and a fine substitute for Grand Marnier, if needed!

In addition to a top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier, you will also need freshly squeezed lime juice. You will need about two limes per margarita. And note, limes are much juicier and easier to squeeze at room temperature.

For the sweetener, you can use either agave nectar or simple syrup; the simple syrup can be homemade or store-bought. You'll typically find agave nectar in the baking aisle of your grocery store, and if you are looking to buy simple syrup (rather than making it), check the adult beverage section of your grocery store.

For another delicious (and more budget-friendly!) cocktail, try our Pineapple Mojitos.

HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP

Should you choose to take on the task of making your own simple syrup, find comfort in the name itself. It really is so simple. 

All you need to do is combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan, over medium heat. Stir constantly until all the sugar has dissolved into the water. Let the mixture cool, and either use it immediately (Hello, Cadillac Margaritas!) or store it in the refrigerator for up to one month. (Psst! Best Margaritas  are a great option if you have any left over.)

It doesn't get much easier than that!

HOW TO ADD A SALT OR SUGAR RIM

Once you have all of your ingredients decided upon, you'll have one more decision to make before it's time to whip up that Cadillac margarita – to salt the rim or not to salt the rim?

If you'd like to add a salt or sugar rim to your margarita glass, you'll need to do so before the ice goes in.

To do this, take a lime wedge with a slit cut in the center of it and run it along the rim of your glass. Have either a third of a cup of Kosher salt or granulated sugar on a plate and shimmy it around to spread it out a bit. Do not use sea salt to salt the rim of your glass.

Then take the rim of your glass, turn it upside down, and swirl it around in the salt or sugar. Use your fingers to gently press the salt or sugar up against the edges, and that's all there is to it!

Once you have your glass prepared as you like, it's time to get mixing!

HOW TO MAKE A CADILLAC MARGARITA

The easiest way to mix a Cadillac Margarita is to fill your glass with ice and mix your ingredients separately, in either a mixing beaker or a glass measuring pitcher. Personally, I prefer the glass measuring pitcher because of those ever-so convenient built-in measuring lines!

Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and simple syrup to the measuring pitcher and stir to combine. Pour the combined ingredients into your prepared glass, serve, and enjoy! Before you go, if you are looking for more ways to impress your guest be sure to check out our recipes made specifically with entertaining in mind! 

If you've been in a margarita mood recently, be sure to check out our Pineapple Margs and Italian Margaritas as well!

6 MORE COCKTAIL RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Cadillac Margarita
• Strawberry Margarita
• Watermelon Martini
• Pomegranate Martini
• Ranch Water
• Frozen Strawberry Margarita

• 

  Mexican Martini Recipe

• 

  Strawberry Margaritas On the Rocks

• 

  Watermelon Martini Recipe

• 

  Pomegranate Martini

• 

  Ranch Water

• 

  Frozen Strawberry Margaritas

Source: Thrillest | Different Types of Tequila