Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt for rim
- 1½ ounces Patrón Roca Patrón Añejo Tequila 100% de Agave
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce agave nectar
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub the rim of the martini glass or coupe with the lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass.
- Garnish with lime wheel.
Variations and Substitutions
The Cadillac of margaritas is an exercise in bringing the best of ingredients together, but you, and your wallet, still have options on how to make it all happen. The most important thing to look for is a tequila that uses 100% agave and not a blend.
- For full flavor without the full credit card limit, explore a few other tequila options such as Don Julio Private Cask Reposado Reserve ($70), Casamigos Añejo ($60), Don Julio Añejo Reserva ($60), Gran Centenario Añejo ($40), and Familia Camarena Añejo ($30).
- If Grand Marnier is a little outside your budget, you can use another orange liqueur such as Cointreau, Cognac Orange Liqueur, or Di Amore Quattro Orange Liqueur can be used instead.
- If you do not have agave on hand, honey or homemade simple syrup make for a comparable substitute. Try to opt for homemade simple syrup, if possible.
- Use a quality lime cordial, such as Rose's or Fee Brothers, in place of lime juice.
- If you prefer silver tequila, opt for a style that also uses 100% agave.
- Float the Grand Marnier at the end rather than mixing in with the other ingredients.
Garnishes
Just because the recipe calls for a lime wheel doesn't mean you need to settle or stop there if you're dreaming of something grander or want something different.
- Swap the lime wheel for a lime wedge or slice instead.
- Opt for a different citrus garnish, including a lemon or orange wheel, wedge, or slice.
- Opt for a citrus peel, coin, or ribbon for a colorful garnish without an overpowering citrus flavor. This garnish can also be with a lime, orange, or lemon.
- A dehydrated citrus wheel can also offer a unique touch.
- Use sugar instead of salt on the rim for a sweeter flavor.
About the Cadillac Margarita
The Cadillac margarita is the…Cadillac of margaritas. This phrase rose in popularity in the mid 20th century, as Cadillacs were then the symbol of prestige and good reputation. The world Cadillac would become synonymous with utmost quality and the marker for high standards across the board, regardless of the comparison.
Despite no relation between the car and cocktail, the Cadillac margarita is still very much like the Cadillac--as both offer a smooth ride. Its well-balanced and top-notch ingredients are a key part of the overall experience. Although the cost can raise some eyebrows, it's worth taking the ride.
Vroom Vroom
Start the car and buckle up, the Cadillac margarita has been warming up just outside the door, and it's ready to take you along for the ride. Skip the basic margarita options and dress for the big leagues as you sip on your upgraded flavors.
