Cadillac Margarita

It's five o'clock somewhere, so it's the perfect time for a Cadillac margarita! Of all the delicious shaken, stirred, and blended cocktails out there, this style of margarita is the best way to get any party started! While there's more than one way to enjoy a tequila drink, a Cadillac margarita is one of the best, thanks to top-shelf ingredients and a hint of orange flavor that tames the feisty tequila. This recipe makes a pair of margaritas, perfect for an at-home happy hour, but you could easily double or triple the recipe for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta! Pair with tacos and an easy queso dip for the ultimate festive spread. Thirsty yet? Let's get shaking!

Why is it called a Cadillac margarita?

There's a reason it's not called a Pontiac margarita—Cadillac margaritas channel the old-school luxury of the classic cars by calling for top-shelf tequila and orange liqueur to deliver a smooth-to-sip margarita that's a step above the two-for-one pre-mixed margs at your local taco joint.

Can you use bottled lime juice in a Cadillac margarita?

Nothing beats the freshness of juice squeezed straight from a lime, but if you find yourself a few limes short, using store-bought bottled lime juice will work in a pinch. Just make sure you're using pure, unsweetened lime juice.

What's the difference between triple sec, Cointreau, and Grand Marnier?

The Cadillac margarita stands out due to the rich flavor of triple sec, an orange liqueur. There are many brands of triple sec out there, but Cointreau is one of the best, boasting a slightly sweet orange flavor with subtle bitter undertones. Grand Marnier is another high-quality orange liqueur; it's a blend of triple sec (orange liqueur) and cognac, giving it some nice vanilla notes. While you can totally substitute a less expensive triple sec, to enjoy the best Cadillac margarita, splurge for Cointreau or Grand Marnier and some nice tequila.

What's the best tequila for Cadillac margaritas?

When the craving for one hits, reach for the best tequila for a margarita! For a truly top-shelf Cadillac margarita, seek out a reposado tequila. Spanish for "rested," reposado tequilas are aged in oak barrels for up to 12 months, with gives the tequila a smoother flavor and subtle flavors of vanilla and spice.

Is a Cadillac margarita sweet?

You can make this margarita as sweet or tart as your taste buds desire! The orange liqueur adds delicious citrus flavor and a touch of sweetness to the cocktail but if you enjoy a sweeter sip, you can also stir in some agave nectar.