Mix it up then settle down and enjoy the refreshing and sophisticated flair of the classic Cadillac Margarita, the luxury rendition of the humble tequila cocktail.
Know why the Cadillac Margarita is such a showstopper? It’s that heart-stopping blend of top-notch orange liqueur and tasty blue agave tequila. It stands out like a neon sign in a sea of other cocktails. Balanced perfectly with a gentle hint of lime, this drink is like a snug hug that tastes just like a sunny day in Mexico.
Now, if you’ve tried the spicy Margarita or even its tequila-infused cousin the Paloma and you think they’re all the same, you need to try the Cadillac Margarita. It’s a whole ‘nother story with its posh vibe and interesting, layered flavor profile. Simply put, this cocktail promises you a ride filled with refreshing zing, harmonious sweetness, and a spark of brilliance you wouldn’t see coming.
INGREDIENTS
I recommend a premium quality, 100% blue agave tequila; it’s the base of the drink and is no place for compromise.
- 1 1/2 oz. tequila
- 1 oz. Grand Marnier (or another high-quality orange liqueur)
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- ice
- lime wheel (optional garnish)
- salt for rimming the glass (optional)
Bar Utensils
- A rocks or margarita glass – to serve the cocktail
- A cocktail shaker
- A strainer – if not built into the shaker
- A juicer – for the fresh lime
- A jigger – to measure the ingredients
- A plate – to hold the salt for rimming the glass
INSTRUCTIONS
Rim
Moisten the rim of a rock or margarita glass with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into salt (if desired).
Shake
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and ice. Shake well until chilled.
Strain
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
How to Make a Healthy, Low-Calorie Cadillac Margarita
A classic Cadillac Margarita comes in strong with a 250-calorie load, most of which comes from the tequila, Grand Marnier, and the simple syrup. But don’t worry, there are ways we can trim this number without sacrificing taste:
- Go for a top-notch, 100% blue agave tequila for a start. It doesn’t just taste out of this world, but it’s also free from the sugars and stuff they put in cheaper options that make the calorie count shoot up and give you a nasty hangover.
- Drop the simple syrup. The Grand Marnier and lime juice are already doing their magic in terms of flavor. If you want it sweeter, go natural with agave nectar or stevia – you’ll lower those calories and avoid sugar spikes.
- Fresh lime juice is a total winner over store-bought bottles. It gives an exhilarating kick of flavor and is loaded with vitamin C. The stuff you find already squeezed is often full of preservatives and other sugars, which just add to the calorie count.
Tips & Tricks to Make a Perfect Cadillac Margarita
- A chilled glass keeps your margarita cool for a longer period without diluting it. Pop your glass in the freezer about 15 minutes before you’re ready to mix things up.
- Investing (yes, it truly is an investment, which pays dividends in taste!) in a premium tequila and a high-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier will set your margarita apart. They are the basis of your cocktail, so don’t skimp!
- Fresh, well-squeezed limes bring what that bottled lime juice can’t, a delicious all-natural taste.
- Give your margarita a good shake until the shaker feels frosty. l mixes the ingredients AND gives you a solid arms workout.
- Picture any margarita and I guarantee it will feature a salt rim. It’s iconic. It also accentuates the flavors and adding a fun tactile component.
FAQs
An average Cadillac Margarita will set you back 200-250 calories. See above how you could bring that number down.
A Cadillac Margarita should be savored, so take slow sips out of a chilled glass, and enjoy those tequila, lime juice, and Grand Marnier flavors.
No worries. Grand Marnier is the go-to, but you can use Cointreau or Triple Sec, if you’d like. You’ll still get that citrusy zing that makes a Cadillac Margarita pop.
Totally! Swap out the tequila and Grand Marnier with non-alcoholic spirits, or stick with fresh orange juice instead of the Grand Marnier.
Got a special occasion coming up? Why not make a Cadillac Margarita with aged or ‘añejo’ tequila, which is reminiscent of bourbon.
Make-Ahead and Storage of a Cadillac margarita
You can prep your Cadillac Margarita before your guests arrive (assuming you’re prepping them for a party). Grab a pitcher, and mix up the tequila, fresh lime juice, and Grand Marnier. Pop it in the fridge to keep it cool while you busy yourself with other host-related stuff. You can also prep the glasses by rimming then chilling them. When it’s time, just shake with ice and pour!
If you’ve got leftover mix, take out any ice (so it doesn’t get all watery), and stash it in a reusable bottle or mason jar. It’ll keep in the fridge for about a week.
Cadillac Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. tequila preferably a premium quality, 100% blue agave tequila
- 1 oz. Grand Marnier or another high-quality orange liqueur
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Ice
- lime wheel (optional garnish)
- salt (optional rim)
Instructions
-
Moisten the rim of a rock or margarita glass with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into salt (if desired).
-
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and ice. Shake well until chilled.
-
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel
Notes
- A chilled glass keeps your margarita cool for a longer period without diluting it past the point of recognition. Pop your glass in the freezer about 15 minutes before you’re ready to mix things up.
- Investing (yes, it truly is an investment, which pays dividends in taste!) in a premium tequila and a high-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier will set your margarita apart. They are the basis of your cocktail, so don’t skimp!
- Fresh, well-squeezed limes bring a tangy, vibrant brightness that bottled lime juice can’t. They’re also healthier, forgoing the injection of sugar and preservatives usually found in the bottled stuff.
- Shaking your cocktail mixes the ingredients AND gives you a solid arms workout — oh, and it aerates the drink and helps enhance the various flavors. So give your margarita a good shake until the shaker feels frosty.
- Picture any margarita and I guarantee it will feature a salt rim. It’s iconic. It also accentuates the flavors and adding a fun tactile component. To make it stick, be sure to apply some lime juice to the rim before dipping it in salt.
Nutrition
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