A fancy twist on the beloved classic margarita with reposado tequila, premium orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice, this is the best Cadillac Margarita.

Erik and I are starting to do themed days to help break up the tedium of the week. The first thing we decided to do? Thirsty Thursdays!

First up on the list was a cocktail that could really seem like a special treat. Enter: the Cadillac Margarita.

If you’re not familiar, a Cadillac Margarita is a fancy version of a regular margarita. But more on that later!

Wanna learn how to make a Cadillac margarita? Let’s do this!

What is a Cadillac Margarita?

What’s in a Cadillac Margarita?

A Cadillac margarita is a margarita made with top-shelf ingredients. For instance, we’ll be using premium reposado tequila and Grand Marnier (or Cointreau) to make ours.

But, what is Reposado Tequila?

Firstly, reposado means “rested” in Spanish. [1]

Premium reposado tequila is tequila that’s has rested in an oak cask for 2 months up to 1 year. This time allows the tequila to infuse with the oak barrel’s tannins, which then changes the color of the tequila to a golden color. [2] [3]

Why does tequila need to rest?

Additionally, this “resting” time adds notes of spices, vanilla, and more, thereby adding balance to the tequila’s agave flavor.

Cadillac Margarita vs. Regular

This lengthy process makes this kind of tequila top-shelf. Top Shelf = Cadillac.

What is the difference between a Cadillac Margarita vs. Regular margarita?

The difference is in the ingredients. A “regular” margarita uses any kind of tequila and orange liqueur, regardless of its quality, in addition to lime juice.

A Cadillac margarita uses top-shelf (expensive, the best) ingredients, such as reposado tequila and Grand Marnier or Cointreau, in addition to lime juice.

Cadillac Margarita Ingredients

What ingredients do I need to make a Cadillac margarita?

Premium reposado tequila
Cointreau or Grand Marnier orange liqueur
Lime Juice – fresh-squeezed is best
Ice
Lime Wedges

How to Make a Cadillac Margarita

Today, we’re gonna learn how to make a Cadillac margarita in just a few easy steps!

Remember, the exact ingredients and instructions are further down the post, in the recipe card. 🙂

First, fill a cocktail shaker half-way with ice. I go only halfway so there’s room for the cocktail mixture and there’s no overflow.

Second, add all Cadillac margarita ingredients into the shaker: tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier, and simple syrup.

Third, secure the lid of the cocktail shaker. Then, shake until thoroughly chilled and well mixed.

Fourth, fill a shallow dish with coarse salt. Next, grab a lime wedge and run it along the edge of a margarita glass to moisten it. Then, turn the glass upside down and dip it into the salt dish, coating the rim.

Fifth, strain the Cadillac Margarita mixture into the salt rimmed margarita glass.

Lastly, garnish with a lime wedge on the edge of the glass. Then, sip and enjoy!

Cadillac Margarita Pitcher Recipe

Sometimes, you need more than one margarita! Sometimes, you need a whole friggin’ pitcher.

Here are my Cadillac margarita pitcher recipe, for both regular pitcher and large pitcher occasions.

PITCHER – 12 servings

2 ¼ cups premium reposado tequila
2 cups freshly-squeezed lime juice
¾ to 1 cup orange liqueur (Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
¾ cup simple syrup

LARGE PITCHER – 24 servings

4 ½ cups premium reposado tequila
4 cups freshly-squeezed lime juice
1 ½ to 2 cups orange liqueur (Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
1 ½ cups simple syrup

To make this Cadillac Margarita Recipe, you can stir all the ingredients together in a large pitcher with ice.

Or, preferably, you’d pour this mixture in smaller increments into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then serve immediately serve when ready to enjoy. The shaking makes all the difference in taste!

Cadillac Margarita Calories

Wondering how many calories are in this Cadillac margarita? Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown of one serving from the base recipe:

Servings per Recipe: 3

Per serving:

Calories: 195
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 14.8g
Protein: 0.2g

Tips for the Best Cadillac Margarita

Chill your tequila in the freezer. The less chilled the tequila, the more you’ll need to “cover” up the taste with other ingredients, which will water down the recipe.

The colder all the ingredients are, the better (aka smoother) the margarita.

In fact, chill your glasses, too! Simply place glass in the freezer while you prepare the Cadillac margarita, then take it out when you’re ready to add the salt rim.

Don’t skip the freshly-squeezed lime juice. For real. I’ve mentioned this so many times, in Tennessee Mule, Apple Juice Cocktail, Gimlet Cocktail Recipe, Classic Mojito, and more. Trust me, I’ve been a bind where I *had* to use bottled lime juice, and sometimes, the sharp, bitter flavor is just blergh!

There’s nothing quite like fresh-squeezed lime!

Use top shelf tequila, if you can. I’m normally not a huge stickler on this, but if you’re gonna make a Cadillac margarita, that’s the whole point! Treat yourself!

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Tools You Need

Sippin’ Fancy

I can’t wait to hear what you think of today’s cocktail recipe! Which will you make first—a few margaritas or a whole dang pitcher?

Either way, make sure to take a pic, then share it on Instagram or Facebook using the tags @beamingbaker and #beamingbaker. It truly helps us out! ‘Til our next thirst-quenching adventure…

Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️

Cadillac Margarita

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Author: Demeter | Beaming Baker
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2-24 servings (see recipe) 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A fancy twist on the beloved classic margarita, with reposado tequila, premium orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice, this is the best Cadillac Margarita.

Instructions

Add all Cadillac Margarita Ingredients to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice: tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and sweetener. Shake until very chilled and well mixed.
Fill a small, shallow dish with coarse salt. Run the juicy side of the lime wedge against the rim of your margarita glasses. Then, hold the glass by the stem upside down, dipping the edge of the rim into the salt. Coat the rim completely.
Strain margarita mixture into salt-rimmed margarita glasses. Garnish with a wedge of lime or mandarin orange slices. Sip and enjoy!
For Larger recipes, make sure to use a large pitcher filled with ice. Then, you can add all ingredients and stir with a mixing spoon before serving, OR, pour the margarita mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then shake and strain into margarita glasses (for the best flavor).

Equipment

Bartender Kit

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Measuring Jigger

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Margarita Glasses

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drinks, Cocktails
Method: Chill

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Cadillac Margarita