Golden Cadillac Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Golden Cadillac recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Galliano
Alcohol 14%
Calories 350 calories
Fat 15g
Protein 2g
Carbohydrates 20g
Prep time 2 minutes

If you’re looking to whip up the perfect Golden Cadillac, you’re in for a creamy, dreamy treat. This cocktail is a luscious blend of smooth liqueurs and ice cream, creating a dessert in a glass that you simply can’t resist. Let’s dive into the layers that make this drink a timeless classic, and I’ll guide you through its history, flavors, and how to craft one yourself! ⬇️

History

The Golden Cadillac was born in the 1950s at Poor Red’s BBQ in El Dorado, California. It quickly became a hit, known for its luxurious taste and color. This cocktail captures the spirit of an era that loved richness and glamour.

  • The name is inspired by the golden hue of the drink, reminiscent of the prestigious Cadillac automobile.
  • It gained popularity as a post-dinner cocktail, perfect for sipping alongside or in place of dessert.
  • The Golden Cadillac perfectly encapsulates the optimism and affluence of the 1950s American culture.

The taste of a Golden Cadillac?

Imagine a sip that’s like velvet on your tongue, sweet with hints of vanilla and a touch of herbal intrigue. The Golden Cadillac is a creamy concoction that balances the boldness of Galliano with the soft sweetness of white crème de cacao and cream.

I find the Golden Cadillac to be an indulgence, a little sip of luxury that reminds me of simpler, sweeter times.

Interesting facts about Golden Cadillac

  • Despite its creamy nature, the Golden Cadillac is often enjoyed as much for its complex flavor as for its dessert-like qualities.
  • The cocktail’s popularity has led to numerous variations, each adding a unique twist to the original recipe.
  • It’s not related to the car company, but the cocktail’s elegance and color match the luxury that Cadillac represents.

Ingredients

  • Galliano Liqueur: 1 oz (30ml)
  • White crème de cacao: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Heavy cream: 1 oz (30ml)

**Coupette glass** is best for a Golden Cadillac because its wide bowl showcases the drink’s color and makes every sip feel special. Alternatively, a **martini glass** also works well, making each cocktail look as luxurious as it tastes.

Recipe. How to make Golden Cadillac

  1. Add Galliano Liqueur, 1 oz of white crème de cacao, and 1 oz of heavy cream into a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake until well-chilled and strain into a chilled coupette glass.
  3. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a chocolate swirl for an extra touch of elegance.

While the Golden Cadillac is undeniably a treat, it’s also true that such treats come with a sugar and calorie content that might give some pause. To make a lighter version, consider swapping in natural sweeteners or light cream. As for health benefits, well, sometimes the joy it brings is benefit enough!

Rate this recipe


Food Pairings

Certain dishes can elevate your Golden Cadillac experience, enhancing its creamy sweetness. Here are a few:

Chocolate Desserts

The rich cocoa flavors of a chocolate cake or brownie harmonize beautifully with the creamy and sweet notes of the Golden Cadillac.

Fresh Berries

The natural tartness and sweetness of berries like strawberries or raspberries complement the vanilla and herbal undertones of the cocktail.

Cheese Platter

A selection of creamy cheeses pairs splendidly with the liqueur’s sweetness, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

I love the Golden Cadillac for its ability to transport me to a retro diner with every creamy sip.


🍸 Mix up your beverage routine
Receive the freshest cocktail recipes and bar trends directly in your inbox.
Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up

Bartender Advice

  • Always chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail refreshingly cool.
  • For a silken texture, shake the ingredients vigorously until well-chilled.
  • Experiment with the cream to liqueur ratio to find your perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Golden Cadillac, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Golden Cadillac

  • Heavy cream: Can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Galliano: Try a different herbal liqueur to give the drink a new twist.
  • White crème de cacao: Use dark crème de cacao for a richer chocolate flavor.

Golden Cadillac Variations

Chocolate Orange Cadillac

  • Ingredients: Adds orange zest to the original ingredients.
  • Recipe: Mix as usual and garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Frozen Golden Cadillac

  • Ingredients: Same as the original, with the addition of ice cream instead of cream.
  • Recipe: Blend until smooth and serve in a chilled glass.

Golden Cadillac Coffee

  • Ingredients: Incorporates a shot of espresso with the classic ingredients.
  • Recipe: Shake ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice in a tall glass.

A Virgin Golden Cadillac swaps out liqueurs for non-alcoholic vanilla and chocolate syrup. Blend with ice cream for a family-friendly treat.

Q&A

Can I make a Golden Cadillac without ice cream?

Absolutely! The classic recipe calls for heavy cream, so feel free to stick with that for a traditional experience.

Is there a dairy-free version of the Golden Cadillac?

Yes, you can use coconut cream or any plant-based milk you favor. Just remember, the creamier, the better!

What’s the best time to enjoy a Golden Cadillac?

It’s perfect as a dessert cocktail after dinner or whenever you crave something sweet and indulgent!

How can I make a Golden Cadillac healthier?

Opt for a natural sweetener and low-fat cream, or explore dairy-free alternatives.

Can I use a different type of glass?

Sure thing! While a coupette or martini glass is traditional, feel free to use what you have on hand.

What’s the best way to garnish a Golden Cadillac?

A sprinkle of nutmeg or chocolate shavings adds a lovely finishing touch. Have fun with it!

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

Blonde Russian

The Blonde Russian is a creamy and sweet concoction with a smooth vodka foundation, elevated by the luxurious taste of coffee liqueur and a splash of cream. It provides a velvety texture that gently dances on the palate, offering a sophisticated twist to the classic White Russian.

Captain Crunch

The Captain Crunch cocktail is a whimsical, dessert-like drink that tastes remarkably similar to the beloved cereal, blending creamy and fruity flavors for a nostalgic sip. It is a delightful concoction that offers a playful twist, combining the comfort of childhood memories with the sophistication of an adult beverage.

Mocha White Russian

The Mocha White Russian is a creamy and indulgent cocktail, blending the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate with the smoothness of vodka and cream. It is a decadent treat that combines the warmth of a mocha with the classic kick of a traditional White Russian.

Midnight Express

The Midnight Express is a sophisticated, dark cocktail that combines the richness of coffee with the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of coffee liqueur. It is a complex yet delightful beverage, perfect for those who appreciate a deep, flavorful drink with an elegant presentation.

Bahama Breeze Ultimate Pineapple

The Bahama Breeze Ultimate Pineapple cocktail is a tropical delight, bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and coconut, mixed with smooth rum. It's a vibrant and cheerful drink that captures the essence of a sunny beach escape in every sip.

Sneaky Pete

The Sneaky Pete is a rich, creamy cocktail that combines the bold flavors of rye whiskey with the smooth sweetness of coffee liqueur and a splash of milk. This delightful concoction is served chilled and offers a comforting, velvety experience with each sip.