Last Updated on April 26, 2021 by laurenpacek

These Cadillac Margaritas are sweet, sour, and made with top shelf liquor. They are like the margaritas that you know and love, but just a little bit more delicious.

What is the difference between a margarita and a Cadillac Margarita?

Are you wondering why it's called a "Cadillac" Margarita? You're not alone! I had to Google it myself, if I'm being totally honest.

You know the saying that something is "the Cadillac" of something because it's top of the line? Like, say I got an awesome new air fryer. I might tell someone that "this air fryer is the Cadillac of air fryers" because it's so nice.

Well, this is called a Cadillac Margarita for similar reasons: it's made with top shelf liquor.

Ingredients that you'll need

Just a handful of very good ones. Check out the list and photo below.

• Kosher salt: Used for rimming the glass with salt.
• Tequila: Reposado tequila is called for here.
• Orange liqueur: Make sure to use something good like Grand Marnier or Cointreau (leave the cheap triple sec on the shelf for this one).
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed, please!
• Lime wedges: For garnish.

What kind of tequila should you use in a Cadillac Margarita?

A Cadillac Margarita calls for a reposado tequila. Reposado means "rested" in Spanish. Reposado tequilas rest in oak barrels for two months to one year before being bottled. Resting the tequila in this way allows it to take on a golden color as well as some flavor from the the oak barrels.

Basically, you want to use the best reposado tequila that you can reasonably afford.

What kind of orange liqueur is best in a Cadillac Margarita?

Ideally, you will reach for some Grand Marnier: a cognac-based orange liqueur. Cointreau can also do in a pinch.

Please avoid using cheap, clear triple sec. This is the Cadillac of margs, after all.

How does this drink come together?

Though the ingredients for this drink differ a little from that of a regular margarita, the preparation remains the same.

You'll start by rimming your glass with coarse salt (I always use kosher) before filling that glass with ice. Shake the remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker until very cold and pour them over the ice. Garnish with a lime wedge. And there you have it.

What is Cinco de Mayo, really?

While we're here and talking about margaritas, let's clear up some misconceptions about Cindo de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo translates to "the 5th of May" and is celebrated on, you guessed it, May 5th.

It's often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day (actually celebrated on September 16th), but is really a commemoration of the Mexican army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

The day is actually celebrated more widely in the United States than it is in Mexico! And, fun fact: According to Wikipedia, beer sales on Cinco de Mayo rival sales for the Super Bowl.

Looking for other margarita recipes?

Are you in need of more margarita recipes? Because, girl. I got them.

• Cranberry Margaritas - not just for the winter months!
• Grilled Mezcal Margaritas - sweet and smoky, with a beautiful garnish
• Cara Cara Orange Margaritas - sweet and a beautiful color
• Mezcal Apple Cider Margaritas - smoky and sweet (you can get apple cider year round at the grocery store, FYI!)
• Apple Cider Margaritas - not smoky like the ones with mezcal, but still so delicious
• Pomegranate Margaritas - great year round

What equipment should I have in order to make this drink?

• A cocktail jigger
• A citrus squeezer
• A cocktail shaker
• Rocks or margarita glasses

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