IBA
Grand Margarita – IBA
Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 27.8% ABV ∙
The Grand Margarita is a rich variation of the classic, built on blanco tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice, shaken and served over ice. Deep orange and rich caramel undertones soften the bright agave backbone, while a snappy citrus acidity keeps the finish crisp and dry.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Rim the rock glass with good quality sea salt
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Tequila blanco 45 mlCognac orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier) 30 mlLime juice 15 ml
- Strain into the ice-filled glass
- Garnish with a lime wheel
Tips
- Shake hard with fresh ice for 12-15 seconds to properly dilute this high-proof, spirit-forward mix.
- Use freshly squeezed lime, not bottled — it's the drink's only souring agent and bottled tastes flat.
History
The Grand Margarita is a variation of the Margarita, whose own origin is disputed among several rival bartenders and bars across Mexico and the American Southwest, with claims dating as far back as the 1930s. The Grand Margarita, also known as the Cadillac Margarita, traces to Southern California's El Torito restaurant chain, founded by Larry Cano: a 1983 menu shows a "Margarita Especial" combining triple sec with Grand Marnier, and by 1985 the chain's upgraded recipe called for Grand Marnier to be floated on top as a finishing touch, the format that became the drink's signature.
The International Bartenders Association formally added the Grand Margarita to its official cocktail list in November 2024.
FAQ
What is in a Grand Margarita?
Tequila blanco, Grand Marnier (a cognac-based orange liqueur), and fresh lime juice, shaken and served over ice in an old-fashioned glass with a lime wheel. Swapping in Grand Marnier for a standard triple sec gives it more weight and a deeper orange-caramel character than a classic Margarita.
How do you make a Grand Margarita?
Shake tequila blanco, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice hard with ice, then strain over fresh ice into an old-fashioned glass and garnish with a lime wheel. The liqueur-heavy build stays balanced over ice rather than served up.
Is a Grand Margarita shaken or stirred?
Shaken. The lime juice needs the aeration and quick chill of a shake to integrate with the tequila and Grand Marnier; stirring would leave it flat.
What glass is a Grand Margarita served in?
An old-fashioned glass, over ice, garnished with a lime wheel.
What is a good substitute for Grand Marnier?
Cointreau or another triple sec is the most common substitute, though it gives a lighter, less caramelized result than Grand Marnier's cognac base. Combier or a curaçao can also work if a rounder, brandier orange note is wanted.
