Tag: summer drinks

A Cadillac Margarita should taste like a real upgrade: cold, lime-bright, smooth, lightly sweet, and finished with the rich orange lift of Grand Marnier. It should not taste like bottled sour mix, a glass of syrup, or a regular margarita with a fancy name.

Best starting ratio: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ¾ oz Grand Marnier, and ¼–½ oz agave or simple syrup. For the most balanced Cadillac finish, shake ½ oz Grand Marnier into the drink and float ¼ oz on top.

Make it once this way, and you will know exactly how a top-shelf margarita should land: cold, citrusy, orange-scented, and easy to sip.

Below, you’ll get the exact oz/ml measurements, the float method to start with, pitcher amounts, and simple fixes for the usual problems: too sour, too sweet, too strong, watery, or not orange enough.

Quick jumps

• Quick ratio
• Recipe card
• Ingredients
• Grand Marnier float
• Mistakes to avoid
• Pitcher tips
• Troubleshooting
• FAQs

Start with the quick ratio if you want to make the drink now, then use the ingredients, float, pitcher, and troubleshooting sections to find the exact fix fast.

Quick Answer: Cadillac Margarita Ratio

The most reliable Cadillac Margarita ratio is:

2 oz tequila : 1 oz fresh lime juice : ¾ oz Grand Marnier : ¼–½ oz agave or simple syrup

In metric, that is:

60 ml tequila : 30 ml fresh lime juice : 22.5 ml Grand Marnier : 7.5–15 ml agave or simple syrup

Ingredient	Amount	Why it matters
Tequila	2 oz / 60 ml	Gives the drink structure
Fresh lime juice	1 oz / 30 ml	Keeps it bright and citrusy
Grand Marnier	¾ oz / 22.5 ml	Adds the rich orange Cadillac finish
Agave or simple syrup	¼–½ oz / 7.5–15 ml	Balances the lime without making it syrupy

Ready to mix it? Jump to the recipe card. Still deciding how the top layer should taste? See the Grand Marnier float options.

For your first glass, use the classic finish: shake ½ oz Grand Marnier into the drink and float ¼ oz on top.

Want the softer restaurant-style sip? Move closer to ½ oz sweetener. Prefer a brighter, sharper glass? Stay at ¼ oz and let the lime lead.

A good one should taste bright before it tastes sweet. Fresh lime gives the cleanest Cadillac-style flavor, and the top layer should finish the drink rather than cover it.

Cadillac Margarita at a Glance

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Glass: 10–12 oz rocks glass or old-fashioned glass
• Tequila: Reposado, or good blanco
• Orange liqueur: Grand Marnier
• Shake time: 15–20 seconds
• Rim: Half rim with coarse salt
• Best starting finish: Shake ½ oz Grand Marnier in, float ¼ oz on top

Cadillac Margarita Recipe

Description

This Cadillac Margarita is cold, citrusy, and orange-scented, with fresh lime, smooth tequila, and a small Grand Marnier float that makes the first sip feel restaurant-style without making the drink heavy.

Time and yield

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker, or a clean jar with a tight lid
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Citrus juicer or lime squeezer
• Small plate for salt
• 10–12 oz rocks glass or old-fashioned glass
• Bar spoon, optional for floating Grand Marnier

Ingredients

Ingredient	US measure	Metric
Reposado or good blanco tequila	2 oz	60 ml
Fresh lime juice	1 oz	30 ml
Grand Marnier	¾ oz	22.5 ml
Agave nectar or simple syrup	¼–½ oz	7.5–15 ml
Coarse kosher salt, sea salt, or margarita salt	as needed	as needed
Ice	as needed	as needed
Lime wedge or wheel	1	1

Instructions

1. Prepare the rim. Rub a lime wedge around half the rim of a rocks glass. Dip only the outside edge into coarse salt. Fill the glass with fresh ice.
2. Measure the cocktail. Add tequila, fresh lime juice, agave or simple syrup, and ½ oz / 15 ml Grand Marnier to a cocktail shaker. Reserve the remaining ¼ oz / 7.5 ml Grand Marnier for the float.
3. Shake. Add ice to the shaker. Shake hard for 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
4. Strain. Strain the drink into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Avoid pouring directly through the salted rim.
5. Float. Pour the reserved Grand Marnier gently over the finished drink.
6. Garnish. Add a lime wedge or wheel and serve immediately.

Recipe notes

• For a smoother drink, shake all ¾ oz / 22.5 ml Grand Marnier into the cocktail instead of floating part of it.
• For a stronger orange aroma, shake only ¼ oz / 7.5 ml Grand Marnier into the drink and float ½ oz / 15 ml on top.
• Like it tart? Stay at ¼ oz / 7.5 ml sweetener. Want a softer sip? Use ½ oz / 15 ml.
• Fresh lime keeps the cocktail lively; bottled citrus can taste flat or bitter.
• Enjoy responsibly and serve only to adults of legal drinking age.

Need to adjust the glass? Use the ratio guide, or jump to troubleshooting for sour, sweet, watery, salty, or flat drinks.

What Is a Cadillac Margarita?

A Cadillac Margarita is an upgraded margarita made with good tequila, fresh lime juice, and Grand Marnier or another high-quality orange liqueur. Many versions are served on the rocks with a coarse salt rim and a small floated pour on top.

The word “Cadillac” signals a better version of the classic tequila-lime drink. The upgrade is not just a heavier pour; it is fresh citrus, smoother tequila, deeper orange flavor, and a finish that feels more deliberate.

That is the real Cadillac feeling: not a stronger margarita, not a sweeter margarita, but a cleaner, smoother, more polished one.

Why This Recipe Works

The trick is keeping the drink bright without letting the lime take over, and rich without letting the orange liqueur turn it sweet.

Tequila gives the cocktail structure. Fresh lime juice keeps it sharp and refreshing. Grand Marnier adds orange depth without making the drink heavy. Sweetener lets you choose between a tart finish and a softer sip.

On the first sip, the drink should feel like a small upgrade: cold lime at the front, clean tequila through the middle, and orange warmth at the finish.

Taste test: the glass should smell lightly of orange, taste bright with lime, and finish smooth from the tequila. If sweetness arrives first, reduce the syrup or float. If the drink feels sharp, shake longer or add a small touch more agave.

A half rim keeps the salt under control, clean ice prevents a watery finish, and the optional float gives the drink a rich opening sip without overpowering the whole glass.

Cadillac Margarita Mistakes to Avoid

A few small mistakes can make this drink taste flat, syrupy, salty, or watered down.

• Using sour mix: it makes the drink taste candy-like instead of fresh.
• Skipping the shake: the cocktail needs chill and dilution, not just stirring.
• Floating too much liqueur: the first sip can turn sweet and heavy.
• Salting the inside rim: salt falls into the glass and makes the drink briny.
• Adding ice too early to a pitcher: the batch waters down before anyone gets a good drink.

When those details are right, the drink tastes clean, cold, and top-shelf in the best way — not bigger, just better.

Making drinks for guests? Read the pitcher tips before adding ice.

Choose Your Cadillac Margarita Style

Once the base tastes right, the rest is just choosing how you want the first sip to feel.

You want	Make it this way
Smooth and simple	Shake all ¾ oz Grand Marnier into the drink
Classic float	Shake ½ oz in, float ¼ oz on top
Stronger orange aroma	Shake ¼ oz in, float ½ oz on top
Brighter citrus	Use Cointreau in the shaker and Grand Marnier as the float
Less sweet	Use ¼ oz sweetener and fresh lime
Party pitcher	Mix cold, serve over fresh ice, float individually

For guests, the classic float is the best choice because it gives the drink that little moment at the glass without making it too sweet. If you care more about smooth sipping than presentation, shake all the orange liqueur into the drink.

Once you have made the classic float once, adjust only one thing at a time: sweetness, tequila style, or float size.

Cadillac Margarita Ingredients

There are not many ingredients here, so each one has to earn its place. Weak lime juice, rough tequila, or too much sweetener will show quickly.

Tequila

Choose 100% agave tequila. Reposado is the easiest place to start because its light oak and warmth work well with Grand Marnier, while blanco gives a cleaner, sharper lime-forward drink.

If you want another tequila drink that feels lighter and more sparkling, try a Paloma next; grapefruit changes the mood while keeping the citrus-agave base.

Añejo can work for a richer version, but use it only if you enjoy deeper oak, vanilla, and warmer notes in cocktails. If the tequila tastes rough on its own, the orange liqueur will not magically turn it into a top-shelf drink.

Grand Marnier

This is where the drink gets its deeper orange finish — not just sweetness, but warmth and roundness. Grand Marnier brings richness, a smoother finish, and a deeper color than basic triple sec.

You can shake the liqueur into the drink for balance, or float part of it over the top for a stronger orange aroma. Both versions work. The top layer simply gives the cocktail a more dramatic finish.

Grand Marnier is the classic choice for this style, but the drink can still be balanced with Cointreau or another good orange liqueur. Grand Marnier’s own Grand Margarita keeps the same idea simple too: tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime, and agave.

Choosing the bottle? Compare Grand Marnier, Cointreau, and triple sec before you pour.

Fresh lime juice

Fresh lime juice is essential. Bottled lime juice usually tastes flat, bitter, or artificially sharp, and it does not fit the style of this drink.

One medium lime usually gives about ¾–1 oz juice. Roll the lime on the counter before cutting it to help release more juice.

The same fresh-lime discipline matters in a classic Daiquiri, where a simple drink only works when the citrus, spirit, and sweetener are balanced.

Agave nectar or simple syrup

Agave nectar works naturally with tequila and gives a soft sweetness. Simple syrup is also fine and mixes easily.

The orange liqueur already adds body and richness, so the sweetener should balance the lime, not turn the drink syrupy. It should soften the citrus, not hide it.

Salt

Coarse kosher salt, flaky sea salt, or margarita salt all work. Fine table salt is the one to avoid; it can taste sharp and take over the lime.

The goal is contrast, not a salty drink: the rim should brighten the lime without seasoning every sip.

Ice

The ice is not just for coldness; it softens the edges of the tequila and lime. Without enough shaking and dilution, the cocktail can taste too sharp or too strong.

Shake with one set of ice, then serve over fresh ice. Do not reuse tired shaker ice in the glass.

How to Adjust the Ratio

Once the base ratio is set, adjust one thing at a time. Keep the tequila and lime steady, then change the sweetener or floated liqueur depending on how you want the drink to land.

If you want	Adjust this
Tarter	Use ¼ oz / 7.5 ml sweetener
Softer	Use ½ oz / 15 ml sweetener
More orange aroma	Float a little more Grand Marnier
Less heavy	Shake more orange liqueur in and float less on top
More lime-forward	Keep sweetener low and shake hard

The finished cocktail should feel bright first, rounded second, and lightly sweet at the end. If it tastes sweet before it tastes fresh, pull back the syrup next time.

Grand Marnier Float vs Shaken In

For home mixing, the easiest place to start is to shake ½ oz / 15 ml Grand Marnier into the drink, then float the remaining ¼ oz / 7.5 ml on top.

The float is the part that makes the drink feel restaurant-style: orange aroma first, cold lime underneath, and a richer finish without turning the whole glass sweet.

Cadillac Margarita recipes vary because bars finish them differently. Some shake all the orange liqueur into the drink, some float Grand Marnier on top, and some use Cointreau in the base with Grand Marnier as the final pour. This version starts with the easiest home balance: most of the orange liqueur shaken in, a small float on top.

None of these methods is wrong. This is less about right or wrong and more about how you want the first sip to land. Liquor.com’s Cadillac Margarita also treats the Grand Marnier float as one accepted version.

Choose the finish you want

Method	Best for	Result
Shake all Grand Marnier in	Easiest home version	Smooth, balanced orange flavor throughout
Float part on top	Classic Cadillac presentation	Stronger orange aroma and golden top layer
Serve Grand Marnier on the side	Tableside-style service	Guests control the final pour
Use Cointreau in the base and Grand Marnier as a float	Layered cocktail-bar style	Crisp base with rich orange finish
Stir after floating	Balanced sipping	Less dramatic, more even flavor

Pour the float gently

For a bolder first sip, reverse it: shake ¼ oz / 7.5 ml into the drink and float ½ oz / 15 ml on top.

A good float gives you aroma before sweetness. You should notice orange at the top of the glass, then lime and tequila underneath. The floated liqueur should feel like a finish, not a separate shot sitting on top.

Pour slowly so the liqueur catches the top of the ice and leaves a golden orange layer before it settles into the drink. A bar spoon helps soften the pour, but you can also pour gently near the side of the glass.

Grand Marnier vs Cointreau vs Triple Sec

This style is usually associated with Grand Marnier, but Cointreau, triple sec, and dry curaçao can all appear in margarita recipes. The bottle you choose changes the mood of the drink more than people expect.

Orange liqueur	When to use it	Flavor result
Grand Marnier	For the classic Cadillac feel	Rich, smooth, golden, cognac-orange depth
Cointreau	For a cleaner citrus version	Crisp, bright, strong orange flavor
Triple sec	For a simple fallback	Sweeter, simpler, closer to a regular margarita
Dry curaçao	For a drier cocktail-style version	Deeper orange flavor with less sweetness

Grand Marnier gives the richest orange finish. Cointreau makes the drink cleaner and brighter. Triple sec works in a pinch, but it moves the cocktail closer to a standard margarita.

If Cointreau is all you have, use it. The drink will be less rich, but still very good. For a layered version, shake Cointreau into the base and float a little Grand Marnier on top.

Best Tequila for a Cadillac Margarita

Reposado is the best default for most home drinks, but the right bottle depends on the mood you want.

Tequila	Best if you want	Watch out for
Blanco	A brighter, sharper lime-forward drink	Can taste lean with a rich orange liqueur
Reposado	A smooth, balanced, bar-style home version	Very oaky bottles can feel heavy
Añejo	A richer, deeper golden variation	Can overpower the lime

Whatever style you choose, use 100% agave tequila. A Cadillac Margarita should taste polished, not rough.

How to Make a Cadillac Margarita

The recipe card gives the exact steps. These small technique choices are what make the drink taste colder, cleaner, and more restaurant-style.

Chill the glass if you have time

This is optional, but it helps the cocktail stay cold. Put the glass in the freezer while you juice the lime and measure the ingredients.

Salt only half the rim

Rub a lime wedge around half the rim of the glass. Dip the outside edge into coarse salt. That way, the salt becomes a choice instead of something you taste in every sip.

Measure instead of guessing

Use a jigger or small measuring cup because this drink depends on small differences. Guessing usually shows up as too much lime, too much sweetness, or a heavy orange finish.

Shake until the shaker feels cold

Add tequila, fresh lime juice, Grand Marnier, and sweetener to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake hard for 15–20 seconds.

The shaker should feel very cold on the outside. That chill tells you the drink has been cooled and lightly diluted.

Strain over fresh ice

Fill the prepared glass with clean ice, then strain the drink carefully down the open side of the glass so the salted edge stays neat.

Add the Grand Marnier float and garnish

Pour the reserved Grand Marnier slowly over the finished drink, aiming near the ice or side of the glass. Garnish with lime and serve immediately.

Salt Rim Tips

A salt rim should wake up the lime, not season the whole glass. Coarse kosher salt, flaky sea salt, or margarita salt all work better than fine table salt.

Salt only the outside edge of the rim so the crystals stay on the glass instead of falling into the drink. That keeps the sip bright, not briny.

For a spicy version, try Tajín or chili-lime salt. If you want jalapeño heat too, the Spicy Margarita is the better next stop.

Cadillac Margarita Pitcher Tips

Pitcher margaritas fail when the ice goes in too early. Keep the batch cold, but let dilution happen in the glass.

Pitcher rule: mix cold, serve over fresh ice, float individually.

Mix the tequila, fresh lime juice, Grand Marnier, and sweetener in a pitcher. Chill the mixture without ice, then pour it over fresh ice in individual glasses. Do not add ice until serving.

Servings	Tequila	Fresh lime juice	Grand Marnier	Agave/simple syrup
4 drinks	8 oz / 240 ml	4 oz / 120 ml	3 oz / 90 ml	1–2 oz / 30–60 ml
8 drinks	16 oz / 480 ml	8 oz / 240 ml	6 oz / 180 ml	2–4 oz / 60–120 ml
12 drinks	24 oz / 720 ml	12 oz / 360 ml	9 oz / 270 ml	3–6 oz / 90–180 ml

The table shows total Grand Marnier. If you want floats, reserve part of that amount and add it to each glass instead of mixing all of it into the pitcher.

Plan on about 1 medium lime per drink, plus a few extra limes for rimming and garnish. Some limes are dry, so buy a few extra. For an 8-drink pitcher, buy at least 10 limes. For 12 drinks, 14–15 limes is safer.

Pitcher notes

• Chill the pitcher mixture for at least 1 hour before serving.
• Add ice to glasses, not the pitcher.
• If you want a Grand Marnier float in each glass, hold back ¼ oz / 7.5 ml Grand Marnier per drink for the default float, or ½ oz / 15 ml per drink for a bolder orange finish.
• Salt the glasses close to serving time so the rims do not become wet or dissolve.
• Stir the pitcher before pouring because citrus and sweetener can settle slightly.

Serving these with food? See taco-night pairings, or check quick fixes before guests arrive.

Cadillac Margarita Variations

Start with the classic ratio first. Once the drink tastes balanced, these variations are easy to adjust.

Variation	How to make it
Golden Cadillac Margarita	Use reposado or añejo tequila with Grand Marnier for a deeper golden color
Pink Cadillac Margarita	Add 1–2 oz cranberry or pomegranate juice and reduce sweetener slightly
Frozen Cadillac Margarita	Blend one drink with about 1 cup ice, then float Grand Marnier after blending
Lighter Cadillac Margarita	Use less sweetener, keep the Grand Marnier modest, and let fresh lime carry the drink
Spicy Cadillac Margarita	Shake with a thin jalapeño slice or use chili-lime salt
Blue Cadillac Margarita	Use blue curaçao instead of some or all of the orange liqueur; it adds color, but moves the drink away from the classic Grand Marnier profile

The frozen version is best treated as a variation, not the main drink. This cocktail usually shines on the rocks because the tequila, fresh lime, and Grand Marnier are easier to taste.

For a fruitier direction, a Mango Margarita gives the drink a thicker tropical feel, while a Watermelon Margarita keeps it colder, juicier, and more summery.

Troubleshooting

If the glass tastes off, do not start over. Most Cadillac Margarita problems come from one small thing: lime, sweetness, salt, ice, or float size.

Problem	Why it happens	Fix
Too sour	Too much lime or not enough sweetener	Add ¼ oz agave or a small splash of Grand Marnier
Too sweet	Too much syrup or sweet orange liqueur	Add ¼ oz fresh lime juice and shake again briefly
Too strong	Not enough dilution	Shake a little longer or serve over more fresh ice
Too watery	Ice melted too early	Use fresh ice and serve immediately
Too salty	Fine salt or salt falling into the glass	Use coarse salt, half rim, and pour away from the salted edge
Not orange enough	Grand Marnier is hidden	Float ¼ oz Grand Marnier on top
Tastes flat	Bottled lime, sour mix, or weak shaking	Use fresh lime and shake hard with enough ice
Too bitter	Old lime juice or over-squeezed citrus	Use fresh lime and avoid pressing bitter pith into the juice

If it tastes like lime candy, it is too sweet. If it tastes like straight tequila and lime, it likely needs more shaking, more ice contact, or a small touch of sweetener.

Do not fix everything at once. When the drink is close but not quite right, adjust the smallest thing first, shake briefly, then taste again.

Back to making the drink: return to the recipe card or go back to quick jumps.

What to Serve With a Cadillac Margarita

This is a natural taco-night drink, but it also works anytime you want one cocktail that feels a little more special than the usual lime-and-tequila pour. Think salty chips, limey seafood, grilled peppers, spicy chicken, or something creamy nearby.

For a full spread, start with Fish Tacos or Shrimp Tacos, then keep the table bright with chips, lime wedges, and something fresh on the side.

• Tacos
• Nachos
• Chips and salsa
• Grilled shrimp
• Spicy chicken
• Quesadillas
• Citrus salads
• Black bean dips
• Grilled corn
• Jalapeño poppers
• Mexican-style rice bowls

For easy sides, add Mango Salsa when you want something fruity and bright, or Guacamole when you want something creamy and classic.

Keep the food bold but not overly sweet. The cocktail already has orange liqueur and a little sweetener, so salty, spicy, and lime-friendly foods work best.

Storage and Make-Ahead

A single drink is best served right after shaking. It tastes brightest when the lime is fresh, the ice is clean, and the Grand Marnier float is added just before serving.

For a pitcher, mix the tequila, lime juice, Grand Marnier, and sweetener without ice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best flavor, use the pitcher mix within 24 hours.

Stir before serving. Pour over fresh ice in salted glasses. If you want a float, add the reserved liqueur to each glass at the end instead of mixing all of it into the pitcher.

Do not freeze a standard pitcher unless you are intentionally making a frozen slush recipe. Frozen margaritas need a different dilution plan.

Final Tips

The best Cadillac Margarita tastes cold, bright, orange-scented, and controlled — the kind of drink that feels top-shelf without turning heavy.

Start with the ratio above, shake it properly, and use the float as a finish instead of a cover-up. Once that glass tastes right, every variation becomes easier.

When it is right, the drink should feel special but not fussy — a restaurant-style margarita you can actually make well at home.

FAQs

What makes a margarita a Cadillac Margarita?

A Cadillac Margarita is an upgraded version of a margarita. It usually uses better tequila, fresh lime juice, and Grand Marnier or another high-quality orange liqueur. Many versions are served on the rocks with a salt rim and a Grand Marnier float.

Why is it called a Cadillac Margarita?

“Cadillac” means upgraded or top-shelf. In this drink, the upgrade usually comes from better tequila, fresh lime juice, and Grand Marnier instead of basic triple sec or bottled mix.

What goes in a Cadillac Margarita?

The main ingredients are tequila, fresh lime juice, Grand Marnier, agave nectar or simple syrup, ice, coarse salt, and a lime garnish. Some versions also use Cointreau in the shaker and Grand Marnier as a float.

Do you need Grand Marnier for a Cadillac Margarita?

Grand Marnier is the usual choice because it gives the drink that rich orange finish people expect from a Cadillac version. Cointreau gives a cleaner orange flavor, but it does not have the same smooth, rounded feel.

Should Grand Marnier be floated or shaken in?

Both methods work. Shake Grand Marnier into the drink for a smoother, more balanced margarita. Float part of it on top for a richer orange aroma, golden finish, and more dramatic presentation.

Cointreau or Grand Marnier: which is better?

Grand Marnier is better for the classic Cadillac feel because it tastes richer and smoother. Cointreau is better if you want a cleaner, brighter orange flavor. You can also use Cointreau in the shaker and Grand Marnier as a float.

Can you make a Cadillac Margarita with triple sec?

Yes, but the drink will taste simpler and closer to a regular margarita. For a more polished Cadillac-style finish, Grand Marnier or Cointreau is a better choice.

Blanco or reposado tequila: which is better?

Reposado tequila is the safest place to start because it is smooth, lightly oaky, and rounded. Blanco tequila works if you want a brighter drink. Añejo can work for a richer variation, but it may overpower the lime.

Is it stronger than a regular margarita?

It may taste stronger because it often uses good tequila and Grand Marnier, but the strength depends on the exact recipe. Proper shaking and fresh ice help the drink taste balanced instead of harsh.

What is the best Grand Marnier amount?

For one drink, ¾ oz / 22.5 ml Grand Marnier is a strong starting point. Shake ½ oz into the drink for balance, then float ¼ oz on top for aroma and a richer opening sip.

How do you make a Cadillac Margarita pitcher?

Multiply the single-drink ratio by the number of servings. For 8 drinks, use 16 oz tequila, 8 oz fresh lime juice, 6 oz Grand Marnier, and 2–4 oz agave or simple syrup. Mix without ice, chill, then pour over fresh ice in glasses.

What is a Golden Cadillac Margarita?

A Golden Cadillac Margarita usually refers to a Cadillac Margarita with a deeper golden color from reposado or añejo tequila and Grand Marnier. It is more of a premium presentation style than a completely different drink.

What is a Pink Cadillac Margarita?

A Pink Cadillac Margarita is a fruity variation usually made with cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, or another pink-red juice. Add 1–2 oz juice to the classic recipe and reduce the sweetener slightly.

Can you use margarita mix for a Cadillac Margarita?

It is okay in a pinch, but use a tart mix and reduce or skip extra sweetener. Fresh lime tastes cleaner. If you use a mix, finish with Grand Marnier to keep some of the Cadillac feel.