Love a classic margarita? Then you’re going to love this smooth, premium Cadillac Margarita with a surprising burst of sweet orange flavor from the addition of Grand Marnier.
This margarita recipe is made with the best ingredients! Skip the Triple Sec – this margarita deserves so much more! Premium ingredients (and a float) are what sets a Cadillac margarita apart from the rest.
It’s your favorite margarita flavors, elevated to a whole new level. Let’s learn how to make one!
This is one of my most popular margarita recipes, and that’s really saying something! Don’t skip our incredible margarita recipe collection, filled with an option for every occasion and craving.
Try my jalapeno margarita recipe, a champagne margarita, wine margarita or this mint margarita!
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.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Easy to Make
- Feels Special
- Great Upgrade on the Classic
- Easy to Customize
What is a Cadillac Margarita?
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 feel of this co*cktail! 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 co*cktail technique I think you’ll enjoy. Read on for all the details!
Shopping List
copy and paste to add ingredients to your grocery list
- Tequila
- Limes (for fresh squeezed lime juice)
- Simple Syrup
- Grand Marnier
- Oranges (for optional garnish)
Ingredient Details, Substitutions and Variations
- Simple Syrup – While it’s easy to make your own, you can substitute with a little agave syrup here, or even honey.
- Grand Marnier – Cognac based orange liqueur takes the Cadillac Margarita over the top! For a substitute, use Cointreau (triple sec) in place of the lime juice or Grand Marnier in this recipe. You can also use orange juice or any favorite orange liqueur instead of Grand Marnier.
Tips
- Use a good quality tequila! A Cadillac margarita shines with premium ingredients.Read more below.
- Fresh lime juice is also extremely important. 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.
- 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!
Learn More About the Best Tequila for Margaritas
Drinks
The Ultimate Tequila Guide
Tequila has come a long way, hasn’t it? Discover the keys to choosing the BEST tequila for margaritas, along with the simple distinction between añejo, reposado, gold and silver tequilas. Expensive tequila isn’t necessarily best for margaritas- learn why! Read More
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Nugget Ice
Traditional advice is that solid ice is best because it won’t melt as fast. I disagree – crushed ice melts a touch more quickly, making the tequila more palatable. Our favorite ice maker should do the trick!
Host a Margarita Bar
Learn how to set up a Margarita Bar for the ultimate fiesta! Guests can serve themselves and customize each co*cktail.
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Margarita Bar
Learn how to set up a Margarita Bar for fun and effortless entertaining. A margarita bar is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, summertime holidays and events.Read More
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cointreau the same as triple sec and Grand Marnier?
Cointreau is a triple sec, whereas Grand Marnier is considered an orange liqueur that blends both cognac and triple sec.
Why is Grand Marnier more expensive than Cointreau?
Grand Marnier is the more expensive of these two options because the Cognac that it’s made from is more expensive to produce and bottle, as it’s made with grapes. Cointreau is a more traditionally produced neutral alcohol that’s infused with flavoring.
What’s a Float?
This Cadillac margarita features a float of Grand Marnier. A float is just a layer of alcohol on the top of a co*cktail, without mixing it into the drink. Keep in mind that some mixing does occur naturally with a float, and watching the tendrils of color mix into the co*cktail is part of the appeal!
Don’t skip the float! It’s what makes this margarita recipe unique.
Make Ahead
- Squeeze fresh limes ahead of time, up to 48 hours in advance!
- Mix lime juice, liqueur and tequila ahead of time. Add floater just before serving!
How to Store
- At Room Temperature– For up to two hours before and after serving.
- Refrigerate– Store these margaritas in the fridge for up to 48 hours after serving.
- Freeze– To turn these margaritas into frozen slush Cadillac margaritas!
5 from 14 votes
Cadillac Margarita
By Julie Blanner
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.
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
Servings: 2
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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.
crushed ice
In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3 ounces tequila, 3 ounces lime juice, 2 ounces simple syrup
Pour mixture into the co*cktail glass.
Finally, add the float of Grand Marnier on top of margarita. Garnish with sliced orange. No need to stir – just enjoy!
2 ounces Grand Marnier, 1 orange slice
Julie’s Tips
Best Tequila for Cadillac Margaritas
- 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 co*cktails. 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.
More of Julie’s Premium Margarita Tips
- Fresh lime juice is extremely important. Squeeze your fresh limes ahead of time, up to 48 hours in advance!
- Don’t skip the float! It’s what makes this margarita recipe unique.
- Crushed ice is best in this Cadillac margarita recipe.
Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
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How to Make
- Rim a glass with lime juice or simple syrup and salt.
- Add crushed ice to your glasses.
- In a co*cktail 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.
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