If you love creamy, dreamy cocktails, the Golden Cadillac is about to become your new favorite. It’s like dessert in a glass — rich, silky, and just a little bit fancy. I’ve made this cocktail countless times for friends and family, and it never fails to steal the show. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make a perfect Golden Cadillac at home!
Golden Cadillac
Ingredients
What you’ll need:
- 1 oz (30 ml) Galliano Liqueur
- 1 oz (30 ml) White crème de cacao
- 1 oz (30 ml) Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Ice
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Coupette glass (or a martini glass works too)
Prep Time and Serving
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
Method
- Pop your glass into the freezer while you mix the drink. A chilled glass keeps everything nice and frosty.
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice. Pour in the Galliano, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
- Shake it up! Give it a good, vigorous shake for about 20 seconds. You want the outside of the shaker to feel icy cold — that’s your cue it’s ready.
- Strain the silky mixture into your chilled glass.
- If you like, sprinkle a little nutmeg or some chocolate shavings on top. It’s those tiny touches that make it feel extra special.
Tips for the Best Golden Cadillac
- Shake really well. You want everything to blend until it’s smooth and slightly frothy.
- Use fresh cream. It gives the cocktail a richer flavor and a better mouthfeel.
- Don’t skimp on chilling. A warm glass will water down your drink faster.
Make-Ahead Note
If you’re serving a crowd, you can mix the liqueurs and cream ahead of time (without ice). Store it covered in the fridge for up to a day. When it’s time to serve, just shake individual portions with ice.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Heavy cream: Swap for half-and-half for a lighter cocktail, or coconut cream if you want it dairy-free.
- Galliano: If you can’t find it, another vanilla-herbal liqueur like Licor 43 can work in a pinch.
- White crème de cacao: You can use dark crème de cacao for a deeper chocolate flavor — it’ll slightly change the color, but it’ll still taste amazing.
Storage Instructions
The Golden Cadillac is best made fresh. If you somehow have leftovers (rare, in my experience!), cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick shake with ice before serving again.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is a treat all on its own, but if you want to go all out, here’s what pairs beautifully:
- Chocolate desserts: Think rich brownies, chocolate lava cake, or a simple dark chocolate bar.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries balance the sweetness with a little tartness.
- Cheese board: Creamy cheeses like Brie or mascarpone are a dreamy match.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner moments: sipping a Golden Cadillac with a slice of dark chocolate torte. Absolute heaven!
Golden Cadillac Variations
Want to mix things up a little? Here are a few fun spins:
Chocolate Orange Cadillac
- Add a little orange zest into the shaker before shaking.
- Garnish with an orange peel twist.
Frozen Golden Cadillac
- Blend the original ingredients with a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of cream.
- Serve in a chilled glass — it’s like a boozy milkshake!
Golden Cadillac Coffee
- Add a shot of cooled espresso to the mix.
- Shake and strain over fresh ice for a rich, slightly bitter twist.
Virgin Golden Cadillac
- Replace the liqueurs with non-alcoholic vanilla syrup and chocolate syrup.
- Blend with ice cream for a family-friendly treat.
Common Questions
Can I make it without ice cream?
Yes! The traditional Golden Cadillac uses heavy cream, not ice cream. Ice cream is just a fun twist for the frozen version.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Definitely. Use coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk. Just aim for something rich and creamy for the best texture.
What’s the best time to enjoy it?
Right after dinner when you’re craving something sweet and a little indulgent.
How can I make it healthier?
Use low-fat cream or a dairy-free alternative, and you can cut back a little on the liqueurs if you like.
Can I use a different glass?
Of course. While a coupette or martini glass shows it off best, any small cocktail glass you have at home will work.
How should I garnish it?
A little sprinkle of nutmeg, chocolate shavings, or even a tiny dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra fancy.
The Golden Cadillac is one of those classic cocktails that feels like a celebration in a glass. Whether you’re sipping it solo after a long day or serving it at a dinner party, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Cheers to creamy, golden goodness!
