The Grand Margarita follows the Classic Margarita recipe but with the addition of aged tequila and Grand Marnier. This top-shelf orange liqueur gives the cocktail an exotic orange taste and depth of flavour. The Grand Margarita definitely gets a spot on our list of favourite Margarita cocktails, and it’s the perfect drink for more luxurious occasions.
Grand Margarita
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Rim glasses with salt and set aside
02
2.
Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, triple sec, and lime juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker
03
3.
Shake for about 30 seconds, then strain into your prepared glasses
04
4.
Serve
Top tips from Tris
Tristram Fini, our friend from the Campari Academy UK, has shared a few valuable tips for folks who want to understand more about mixing and pairing tequila to perfection:
Tips for pairing tequila cocktails with food
If food and drinks have grown together regionally, they will automatically pair well. With tequila, you can explore options like aguachile, which is a ceviche-style dish. You can also consider different styles of tacos, such as al pastor or tacos de birria, which are vibrant regional dishes coming from Oaxaca and Puebla specifically.
Tequila usually has an element of acidity, freshness, and potentially spice. Nicely cured seafood and grilled prawns work great, but steer clear of dishes that are too dairy-heavy. Those don’t really pair naturally with tequila.Focus on vibrant, fresh flavours that aren’t too subtle.
Interestingly, tequila and margaritas pair wonderfully with oysters. Oysters are fatty and briny, giving them a salty characteristic. Margaritas pair well with that saltiness because salt and tequila are always going to work well together.
Unusual ingredients to enhance Margaritas
When crafting margaritas, consider flavours that complement tequila, particularly those representative of its region of origin. Mexico’s diverse food scene offers a wealth of ingredients, including mangoes, pineapples, and tomatillos, which can enhance the cocktail.
For a spicy twist, adding a mango habanero hot sauce can elevate a margarita, infusing it with tropical nuances. Coconut is another intriguing flavour that pairs well with tequila, although it’s often underutilised.
Add a few dashes of coconut to a Tommy’s Margarita to allow the pineapple flavour to shine. Another suggested recipe includes 60 ml of tequila, 30 ml of lime juice, 15 ml of agave syrup, and your desired amount of hot sauce. Shake well, and you’re ready to enjoy a uniquely flavoured Margarita!
What makes a Grand Margarita different from a Classic Margarita
The Grand Margarita takes everything you love about the Classic Margarita and gives it a luxurious twist. By adding Grand Marnier, a top-shelf orange liqueur, you get an extra layer of depth and richness.
While a Classic Margarita sticks to tequila, triple sec, and lime, the Grand Margarita brings a more rounded, velvety character, thanks to the Cognac base in Grand Marnier. It’s a cocktail that feels made for celebrations, but honestly, it’s just as good when you want to turn an ordinary evening into something a bit special.
Grand Marnier Drinks: Signature Cocktails & Expert Tips from Xavier Herit
Why Grand Marnier changes the game
Grand Marnier isn’t your average orange liqueur. It’s a blend of Cognac and distilled essence of bitter orange, which gives it a bold, warming profile with touches of vanilla and oak.
When you bring Grand Marnier into a Margarita:
- It softens the sharper notes of the tequila.
- It adds body and complexity without losing that bright citrus zing.
- It creates a drink that lingers deliciously, sip after sip.
PRO TIP! Float a little Grand Marnier over the top just before serving. It adds incredible aroma and makes the first sip unforgettable.
Learn more: Grand Marnier vs. Triple Sec (The Difference Explained)
How to make your Grand Margarita feel even more special
You’ve already picked a top-drawer recipe, now here’s how to take it up a notch:
- Use large, clear ice: Slower melting, better looks, and a more polished final drink.
- Citrus salt rim: Mix flaky sea salt with finely grated orange or lime zest for a pop of aroma as you sip.
- Shake it properly: A vigorous shake chills the drink fast and adds a touch of frosty texture.
- Glassware matters: Serve it in a solid rocks glass or a classic Margarita coupe to set the right tone.
Also see: The Best Grand Marnier Cocktail & Dessert Recipes
More cocktails to try if you love a Grand Margarita
If this luxurious twist on the OG Margarita has won you over, you’ll likely enjoy:
Grand Punch
Cinnamon Espresso Martini
Clementine Martini
Between the Sheets
Grand Mimosa
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can, but it will change the drink. Triple sec brings a brighter, lighter orange flavour, while Grand Marnier adds depth and a hint of richness from the cognac.
It can be, depending on the pour. Grand Marnier has a higher alcohol content than standard triple sec, but the focus here is really on flavour and smoothness.
Blanco tequila is ideal if you want something clean and crisp. A reposado tequila, which has been aged in oak barrels, will bring a bit more warmth and complexity if you fancy leaning into the richer side.
