What is a Cadillac Margarita? Think of a fresh tasting Margarita, to sip poolside on a summer late afternoon. Now, add to the mix the warm taste of Grand Marnier, its elegant and embracing cognac notes that elevate the cocktail taste to the next level. It’s the Grand Margarita, also known as Cadillac Margarita cocktail, a richer twist on the classic that gained popularity in the Eighties and showcases how Grand Marnier allows historical recipes to shine with a new light.

The base for any delicious Margarita is undoubtably a good quality tequila, and you should go for a 100% Tequila Blanco in this case. Freshly squeezed lime juice to add acidity, and then the ultimate Grand touch to make it a Cadillac Margarita: Grand Marnier, the liqueur made from cognac and orange that will complement both the earthiness of tequila and the citrusy bite of the lime juice, for an intense, refined drinking experience.

Following are the ingredients you will need for the Cadillac Margarita recipe:

• 30ml Grand Marnier
• 30ml Tequila Blanco 100% Agave such as Espolòn
• 20ml freshly squeezed lime juice
• 10ml agave syrup
• a lime wedge and salt to rim the glass

If you want to know how to make a Cadillac Margarita, here are the key steps you should follow:

• Pre-chill your shaker by stirring a few good quality ice cubes in it; then remove the excess water;
• Pre-chill a short tumbler glass by storing it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving, or filling it up with ice while concocting the cocktail:
• Combine all the ingredients in the shaker;
• Add more good quality ice cubes and shake vigorously;
• Add a salt rim to the glass
• Strain into the pre-chilled glass;
• Serve with a lime wedge as a garnish;

Two different names, for one, unique soul. Cadillac Margarita and Grand Margarita indicate the same drink, with the only difference coming on the geographical areas they are usually used. Cadillac Margarita is indeed the name with which bartenders and consumers refers to a Grand Margarita in the United States: tequila, lime juice and Grand Marnier, the same ingredients, and the same embracing taste with just a different denomination.

To achieve the perfect Cadillac Margarita, try adopting some, or all of the suggestions that follow:

• It’s called Grand Margarita for a reason: as simple as that. For a perfect Cadillac Margarita (or Grand Margarita) there is simply no substitute for the embracing, elegant notes of Grand Marnier;
• Don’t’ fall for the mix: avoid using pre-mixes for your acidic ingredients. Opt for freshly squeezed lime juice instead, to perfectly combine with the high quality of a 100% agave tequila and the silky texture of Grand Marnier;
• With a pinch of salt: carefully apply a rim of salt on the edge of your glass. It will enhance the flavor profile of the drink and provide you with an exclusive drinking experience;

The origins of the Cadillac Margarita are lost in the mist of mixology times. The name of the drink appears on US menus in the late Sixties already, though very little this drink have to share with the modern recipe. But although not a lot can be considered sure about its birth (it is said it might have been invented at Cadillac Bar, in Mexico, hence the name), it is globally known that the Cadillac Margarita became popular thanks to the efforts of one particular establishment: El Torito, stated in Enchino, Southern California, where WWII veteran Larry Cano started a legacy that that lives up to these days.