Classic Cadillac Margarita Cocktail Recipe

The Cadillac margarita is one of the most popular and classic margaritas you can make. If you go to a Mexican restaurant, chances are you'll see this cocktail on the menu, and it's usually a few bucks more than the other margaritas. But what makes a Cadillac margarita stand out from all the others? Well, it uses Grand Marnier in addition to top-shelf tequila, making it super tasty and sophisticated. According to Punch Drink, the cocktail may have gotten its name courtesy of the Cadillac Bar in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, where the recipe possibly originated. And, when the restaurant expanded to locations across the border, the Cadillac also made its way into the United States ... gaining footing as a popular cocktail and landing on Mexican restaurant menus practically everywhere. 

Recipe developer Christina Musgrave is excellent at crafting cocktails, and her version of the classic Cadillac margarita is one of the best. "I love that this recipe tastes just like it came from a bar or restaurant. It's the real deal, and so delicious," Musgrave raves. Keep reading to find out how to make this classic cocktail.

Once you're ready to begin, you will need to head to the store to gather all the necessary ingredients. Be sure to pick up a reposado tequila (which just means it's been aged for 2-12 months), Grand Marnier, lime juice, agave, lime wedges, and coarse salt for the garnish.

To make this drink, it's best to use a cocktail shaker. Fill it up with ice and pour in the tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, and agave. "Patron is always a go-to tequila for me!" Musgrave shares.

Once you have everything loaded in, shake up the mixture to combine the ingredients well.

Set the liquid mixture to the side and grab your margarita glass. Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass. The lime adds flavor while also serving as a "glue" for the salt.

Next, pour the coarse salt on a plate and dip the rim of the glass into the salt to get that nice, salted rim that's a signature for most margaritas.

Strain the margarita into the prepared glass and garnish it with a lime wedge. Then, the only thing left to do is sip the cocktail and enjoy. 

This classic Cadillac margarita is great for a happy hour, but Musgrave also shares a few serving ideas if you want to make it with appetizers or dinner. "Serve this with tacos, chips, and salsa, or any other Mexican food," she suggests.

This recipe calls for a single serving, but if you want to make a pitcher of margaritas for a crowd, you could always do that instead. "You can make a pitcher a few hours ahead of time. Just make sure not to add any ice to the pitcher, or else you will water it down," Musgrave shares. "Before serving, give each cocktail a good shake in the shaker."