The Grand Margarita follows the Classic Margarita recipe but with the addition of Grand Marnier. This top-shelf orange liqueur gives the cocktail an exotic orange taste and depth of flavor. The Grand Margarita definitely gets a spot on our list of favorite Margarita cocktails, and it’s the perfect drink for more luxurious occasions.
Grand Margarita Cocktail
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Rim glasses with salt and set aside
02
2.
Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, 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 flavors 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 flavors that complement tequila, particularly those representatives 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 flavor that pairs well with tequila, although it’s often underutilized.
Add a few dashes of coconut to a Tommy’s Margarita to allow the pineapple flavor to shine. Another suggested recipe includes 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of lime juice, 0.5 oz of agave syrup, and your desired amount of hot sauce. Shake well, and you’re ready to enjoy a uniquely flavored Margarita!
What makes a Grand Margarita different from a Classic Margarita
The Grand Margarita steps things up a notch with the addition of Grand Marnier, a luxurious orange liqueur that adds richness, depth, and a touch of sweetness. Compared to a Classic Margarita, which uses just tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, the Grand Margarita has a rounder flavor profile, thanks to the blend of Cognac and bitter orange essence in Grand Marnier.
The result? A cocktail that feels a little more decadent, a little more grown-up, and 100% worthy of your next celebration—or your next Tuesday night, if you’re feeling fancy.
Grand Marnier Drinks: Signature Cocktails & Expert Tips from Xavier Herit
Why Grand Marnier is a game-changer
Grand Marnier isn’t just any orange liqueur. It’s made with Cognac as the base, which gives it a complexity that standard triple sec or curaçao can’t quite match. You get notes of vanilla, oak, and a deep orange flavor that lingers beautifully on the palate.
When you use Grand Marnier in a Margarita:
- It softens the tequila’s sharper edges without overpowering the drink.
- It adds a touch of warmth and richness.
- It elevates the whole experience from casual cocktail to “wow, what is this magic?”
PRO TIP! Save a little Grand Marnier to float on top of the drink just before serving for an extra aroma hit and a bit of visual drama.
Learn more: Grand Marnier vs. Triple Sec: (The Difference Explained)
How to make your Grand Margarita even better
This is already a top-shelf drink, but here are a few ways to make it even more unforgettable:
- Use quality ice: Big, clear cubes melt slower and look incredible in the glass.
- Try a citrus salt rim: Mix coarse salt with a little orange or lime zest for a burst of fragrance with every sip.
- Shake hard, strain lightly: A proper shake chills and aerates the drink, but don’t overstrain—you want a few ice shards floating for that “frosty” effect.
- Upgrade your glassware: A heavy rocks glass or a vintage coupe can give your drink a bit of ceremony.
Also see: The Best Grand Marnier Cocktail & Dessert Recipes
More cocktails to try if you love a Grand Margarita
If the Grand Margarita has you hooked, you might also enjoy:
Grand Punch
Cinnamon Espresso Martini
Clementine Martini
Between the Sheets
Grand Mimosa
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can, but the result will be a little lighter and less rich. Grand Marnier adds Cognac depth that triple sec doesn't have.
It can be, depending on your pour! Grand Marnier adds a bit more alcohol content, but it’s more about the layered flavor than pure strength.
Blanco tequila works brilliantly for a clean, bright taste, but reposado tequila (aged slightly in oak) can add a lovely, mellow richness if you want to lean into the luxe feel.
