Golden Cadillac Cocktail

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 07/3/21
Golden Cadillac Cocktail

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
338 Calories
15g Fat
20g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 338
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 20%
Saturated Fat 10g 48%
Cholesterol 53mg 18%
Sodium 51mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 20g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 65mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The Golden Cadillac is a delicious cocktail that was developed in the 1950s. A fantastic dessert drink, this creamy martini is light on the alcohol and pairs nicely with almost any sweet dessert, especially if it includes chocolate.

The key ingredient for this recipe is Galliano, that golden liqueur in a tall bottle that towers over all others in the bar. It adds a distinct taste to the slightly rich martini, as it incorporates over 30 flavors, including anise seed and vanilla. When paired with cream and the light, sweet chocolate of crème de cacao, you get an intriguing contrast of flavors that is a pure delight.

This recipe is also a quick one to mix up and very easy to remember since the three ingredients are poured in equal amounts. The Golden Cadillac is definitely a great drink to add to your repertoire for those times when you're in the mood for a little indulgence.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 ounce cream

  • 3/4 ounce white crème de cacao liqueur

  • 3/4 ounce Galliano L'Autentico liqueur

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Golden Cadillac Cocktail ingredients

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, pour cream, white crème de cacao, and Galliano.

    ice cubes in a cocktail shaker, cream, white crème de cacao, and Galliano in shot glasses

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Shake well.

    shake the cocktail shaker

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

    Golden Cadillac Cocktail in a glass

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Why Was It Named Golden Cadillac?

As the story goes, the Golden Cadillac was created in 1952 at a restaurant named Poor Red's in El Dorado, California. In celebration of a couple's engagement, the bartender mixed up this drink and told them to name it, which they did after their yellow-colored car parked outside.

Recipe Variation

If the cream is too heavy for you, use half-and-half instead. It's the perfect balance between thick cream and thin milk and is an excellent choice for many dairy cocktails.

Tips

  • Crème de cacao is a sweet chocolate-flavored liqueur that comes in two varieties: dark (brown) and white (clear). While they generally taste the same (and can be used interchangeably), the liqueurs' colors will alter the look of the drink. In order to keep your Cadillac "golden," go with the white option so the brown doesn't compete with Galliano's yellow color.
  • As with any cream-based cocktail, make sure your dairy products are fresh. Check the expiration date and give it a sniff test. If it smells off, it will ruin the drink and waste your liqueur.
  • Rich cocktails are much better when served as cold as possible. The easiest way to ensure your Golden Cadillac stays cold from the first sip to the last is to use a well-chilled glass. If you're serving it after dinner, stick your cocktail glasses in the freezer while you eat, and they'll be nice and frosty when it's time for dessert.

How Strong Is a Golden Cadillac?

Both of the liqueurs that are used in the Golden Cadillac are relatively light. When combined, they create a low-proof cocktail that is perfect for an after-dinner drink. On average, it has an alcohol content of around 13 percent alcohol by volume (26 proof).