The Golden Cadillac drink is a dream! One sip of its rich, creamy, and nuanced flavor and you’ll be a believer.

Some drinks are a cut above the rest, and the Golden Cadillac is worth every taste. Have you ever tried this pale yellow after-dinner drink? Prepare to be blown away by its creamy, complex flavor! Though the name might sound a bit 1950s, this retro cocktail deserves a spot among the greats. It’s herbal, creamy, and lightly chocolate, with hints of anise and nutmeg. Imagine a Brandy Alexander, but even better. Whip out this unique and festive drink for parties or entertaining, and you’ll be the star of the show.

What’s a Golden Cadillac?

The Golden Cadillac is an after-dinner drink made with Galliano, creme de cacao, and cream. Let’s dive into the story behind the name. Legend has it that the Golden Cadillac drink was invented in El Dorado, California, in 1952 at a restaurant called Poor Red’s. The bartender, Frank Cline, created the drink for a couple who had just gotten engaged and let them name it. They chose to honor their new Golden Cadillac parked outside the restaurant.

Now, most cocktail origin stories have a touch of legend to them, and this one is no exception. But this is the most commonly told tale, and regardless of its origins, Frank Cline hit the jackpot with this creation. Think of it as a variation of a Brandy Alexander, substituting Galliano for brandy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Galliano
• Creme de cacao
• Heavy cream

Let’s chat about the unique ingredients, shall we?

More about Galliano

Galliano is probably best known for its inclusion in the 1970s hit drink, the Harvey Wallbanger. This bright yellow, sweet herbal Italian liqueur has been produced in Tuscany, Italy, since 1896. It’s made with a blend of 30 herbs, resulting in a sweet and complex flavor. Expect strong vanilla notes, along with hints of anise, juniper, peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus. Galliano is reasonably priced, making it a worthwhile addition to your collection. You can enjoy it as a digestif or mix it into other Galliano-based cocktails like the Harvey Wallbanger, Golden Dream, and Yellow Bird.

All about creme de cacao

Creme de cacao is the other key ingredient in the Golden Cadillac drink. This chocolate-flavored liqueur may not be a staple in your liquor collection unless you love dessert drinks. Here’s what you should know:

• Crème de cacao is a chocolate-flavored liqueur that has been around since the 1600s. Monks created it after cocoa beans were brought back to Europe from America.
• It’s available in two varieties: white (or blanc), which is clear, and dark, which is a rich brown color. Each has its own distinct flavor profile.
• White creme de cacao is sweet, with a strong milk chocolate flavor and vanilla notes. Dark creme de cacao, on the other hand, offers a richer and darker chocolate flavor.
• Creme de cacao is moderately priced, with options ranging from $15 to $20 for a 750 ml bottle. Give the brand Drillaud a try for a good mid-range option.

Now that you have the special ingredients, making a Golden Cadillac is a breeze! Simply shake up the ingredients in a cocktail shaker until cold. If you don’t have a shaker, a covered glass jar will work just fine. And remember, a nutmeg garnish is a must! It plays a crucial role in the final flavoring, so be sure not to omit it. Freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg both work perfectly.

More after-dinner drinks

If you’re looking for more delightful after-dinner or dessert drinks to end a meal, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few more mouthwatering options to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• Classic Mudslide: Whip up a creamy delight that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Grasshopper: Opt for a bright green cocktail with a refreshing minty kick.
• Chocolate Martini: Indulge in a rich and chocolaty concoction for the ultimate treat.
• Amaretto Coffee, Kahlua Coffee, B-52 Cocktail, or Espresso Martini: Get a caffeine boost with one of these coffee-based drinks.
• White Russian: Try this classic cocktail with a twist.

When to serve the Golden Cadillac drink

The Golden Cadillac is a dessert cocktail that’s perfect when you need a sweet treat. However, it also works wonders for happy hour or as a signature cocktail. Consider serving it for a:

• Dessert cocktail or sweet cocktail
• Happy hour drink
• Girls’ or guys’ night drink
• Cocktail hour drink
• Signature drink

There you have it: the Golden Cadillac, a dreamy, creamy delight that will transport you to cocktail heaven. So go ahead, mix up this retro gem, and enjoy every flavorful sip!

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