Whether dining out or mixing up a cocktail at home, you may be wondering, “What is a Cadillac margarita?” and what makes it different from a regular margarita. Here’s the answer and the best recipe! 

A beautiful Cadillac Margarita with a salt rim on the rocks garnished with lime and a lime flower on a marble countertop.

 

As a self-proclaimed margarita enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Cadillac margarita is the pinnacle of all margaritas. This smooth, tangy, and luxurious drink is a true work of art, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re throwing a summer barbecue, hosting a game night with friends, or just want to treat yourself to something special, the Cadillac margarita is always a good choice.

What is a Cadillac Margarita? 

But what exactly is a Cadillac margarita, you ask? Well, it’s essentially a classic margarita, but with a few fancy upgrades. The main difference between a regular margarita and a Cadillac margarita is the type of tequila used. While a classic margarita calls for any type of tequila, a Cadillac margarita specifically requires top-shelf tequila, such as a reposado. This gives the drink a smoother, more complex flavor, and a more refined finish. Additionally, this type of margarita has plenty of Grand Marnier or Cointreau. 

Cadillac Margarita vs Regular 

Overall, the Cadillac margarita is a more upscale and sophisticated version of the classic cocktail. Whereas a regular margarita ordered out may contain low-quality tequila and overly syrupy triple sec, a Cadillac margarita always contains high-quality tequila and orange liqueur, as well as fresh lime. It’s always served on the rocks, whereas a regular margarita may be blended. If you make cocktails at home, like our homemade margarita mix or blood orange margaritas, you may already be making Cadillac margaritas. 

What is in a Cadillac Margarita? 

The ingredients for a Cadillac Margarita in a marble kitchen. Casamigos silver tequila, cointreau, and lime.

A Cadillac margarita typically contains:

  • Top-shelf tequila
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or other orange liqueur
  • It is usually served in a salt-rimmed glass and garnished with a lime wedge.
  • The combination of these ingredients creates a smooth and complex flavor profile with a slightly sweet and tart taste.

How to Make 

A rocks glass inverted on a small dish of salt with a lime on the side. This is how you make a salt rim for a Cadillac Margarita.

What Type of Tequila to Use

A bottle of Casamigos tequila and lime in a marble kitchen.

For a Cadillac margarita, it’s best to use high-quality tequila that complements the other ingredients. Blanco or silver tequila is a popular choice because of its clear color and pure agave flavor allow the citrus and orange liqueur to shine.

However, reposado tequila can also be used for a more complex and smooth flavor. Look for tequila that is 100% agave and avoid mixto tequila, which contains other sugars besides agave.

Some popular tequila brands that work well in a Cadillac margarita include Clase Azul and Don Julio. Ultimately, the best tequila is the one you enjoy the most, so feel free to experiment with different brands and types until you find your favorite.

Variations 

A pink Cadillac Margarita in a coupe glass garnished with dried cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

If you’re a fan of the classic Cadillac margarita but are looking to switch things up a bit, there are a few variations that are definitely worth trying. From the pink Cadillac margarita to the golden Cadillac margarita, these delicious twists on the classic recipe offer a unique flavor and presentation that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

Pink Cadillac Margarita

The pink Cadillac margarita is a fun and fruity twist on the classic recipe, featuring a splash of cranberry juice to give it a vibrant pink hue and a slightly tart flavor. To make a pink Cadillac margarita, you’ll need:

– 2 oz. top-shelf tequila (reposado or añejo)
– 1 oz. fresh lime juice
– 1 oz. Cointreau or triple sec
– 1/2 oz. agave nectar
– 1 oz. cranberry juice
– Salt, for rimming the glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish

To prepare the drink, simply follow the same steps as the classic Cadillac margarita, but add the cranberry juice to the shaker along with the other ingredients. Shake well, strain into a salt-rimmed glass, and garnish with a lime wedge.

Other Variations

Of course, these are just two of the many variations you can make on the classic Cadillac margarita recipe. Some other fun variations to try include:

  • Blue Cadillac Margarita: Add a splash of blue curacao to the classic recipe to give the drink a stunning blue color.
  • Watermelon Cadillac Margarita: Muddle fresh watermelon in the shaker before adding the other ingredients to give the drink a refreshing, fruity flavor.
  • Spicy Cadillac Margarita: Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a fiery twist on the classic recipe.
  • Skinny Cadillac Margarita: For a lower-calorie drink, skip the agave syrup and use fresh orange juice instead. You can sweeten it up further with organic liquid stevia if desired. 

A Cadillac Margarita on the rocks garnished with a lime wedge and bachelor buttons flowers.

Ultimately, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating unique and delicious margarita variations. So why not experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect twist on the classic Cadillac margarita recipe? Whether you prefer the classic version or one of these fun variations, a margarita is always a refreshing and enjoyable cocktail choice.

Yield: 1 drink

Cadillac Margarita

Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes

Experience the ultimate margarita with our Cadillac margarita recipe! Made with top-shelf tequila, fresh lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur, this cocktail is smooth, complex, and perfect for sipping. Serve it in a salt-rimmed glass with a lime wedge garnish for an extra touch of class. Follow our easy recipe and impress your guests with this elevated twist on a classic cocktail.

A Cadillac margarita on the rocks with salt rim and lime garnish.

Ingredients

  • Salt for rim
  • lime wedge
  • 1 1/2 ounces good quality blanco or reposado tequila
  • 1 ounce Cointreau or Grand Marnier
  • 1 oz. fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)
  • agave or simple syrup to taste (about 1 oz.)
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Run the lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass. Pour the salt into a small shallow dish and turn the glass upside down to coat the rim in salt.
  2. Add the tequila, Cointreau and/or Grand Mariner, lime juice, and ice to a shaker.
  3. Shake well to combine and chill the margarita. Shake in sweetener to taste.
  4. Pour into the prepared glass filled with more ice. Garnish with another wedge of lime.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 drink
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 243Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 585mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your favorite calculator.