Wednesday, June 15, 2022

The Golden Cadillac Cocktail

The Golden Cadillac Cocktail
This retro celebration-in-a-glass makes a great dessert drink

June celebrations (weddings, Father’s Day, graduations) are great fun. But then come the after-dinner speeches. You need something with heft to get through them. Preferably something that pairs well with dessert.

Enter the Golden Cadillac, a cocktail that was created to celebrate a newly engaged couple. And their car (more history in the notes).

But for now, cheers! 

 

The Golden Cadillac Cocktail

Recipe: The Golden Cadillac Cocktail

This drink combines equal amounts of Galliano L’Autentico liqueur, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. So it’s basically a Galliano version of a Brandy Alexander Cocktail. Or a Gin Alexander.   

The Golden Cadillac is quite sweet, so we prefer to serve is as an after-dinner or dessert drink. It’s the perfect accompaniment to cake! Or you could sip it as an afternoon relaxer with cookies on the side.

This recipe serves 1 and takes about 5 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Galliano L’Autentico liqueur (see Notes)
  • 1 ounce white crème de cacao (see Notes)
  • 1 ounce heavy cream
  • garnish of dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Procedure 

  1. Place all ingredients (except garnish) in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the contents are well chilled (20 seconds or so).
  2. Strain into a cocktail coupe, preferably one that has been chilled. Garnish, if you wish, and serve.

The Golden Cadillac Cocktail
Notes

  • You can serve this drink in any sort of cocktail glass you like. But the coupe (see pictures) is traditional.
  • You can skip the chocolate shaving garnish, but we like the festive note it adds. Plus, the flavor pairs well with crème de cacao.
  • Crème de cacao is a chocolate-flavored liqueur that comes in both white and brown versions. The flavor of both is quite similar. But for this drink, definitely use the white version – brown will give the drink a hue that’s too dark.
  • Which brand of crème de cacao to buy? We like Marie Brizard, but it’s more expensive than the widely available DeKuyper brand (which works well enough in this drink).
  • Galliano L’Autentico – usually just called Galliano – is an Italian liqueur that’s been around since 1896. Its anise flavor is reminiscent of Sambuca, but Galliano also has vanilla notes that give it a different complexity. (It also has notes of other herbs, plus citrus.)
  • In Italy, Galliano is most often sipped as a digestif (an after-dinner drink). In the US, it’s mostly used as a cocktail ingredient. Though some people like to drink it as shots.  
  • Our usual reminder: We’re noncommercial and are not compensated for mentioning brands. We suggest only what we use and like – and buy with our own money.
  • So how did the Golden Cadillac come to be? It was created in 1952 at Poor Red’s Bar-B-Q in El Dorado, California (in the Sierra Nevada foothills). Bartender Frank Klein mixed it at the request of a newly betrothed couple, who asked him to create a special drink to celebrate their engagement. And because the cocktail had a slight gold tint, Klein named it after the couple’s gold-colored Cadillac, which they had recently purchased.
  • The website for Poor Red’s notes that they consume more Galliano than any other restaurant, liquor retailer, or hotel chain in the world. The Galliano company took notice of the drink’s popularity in the 1960s, and ran an advertising campaign for the Golden Cadillac from 1964 to 1967.
  • This drink is perfect for celebrating engagements, of course. But we think it works for any June occasion (or for celebrations in any other month, come to think of it). 
  • We’ve known about this drink for years, but we never made it until our friend Bob told us a story about the drink – and his dad. Bob and his father had just completed a rather tedious home improvement project. So to celebrate, dad mixed a round of Golden Cadillacs. It was the first time Bob had tasted one, and it became a cherished father/son moment. 
  • So we dedicate this post to Bob, his late father, and to fathers everywhere. 
  • And to all newly engaged couples!

The Golden Cadillac Cocktail
Gold Standard

“Rich flavor,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “And such a smooth sipper.”

“Yup,” I said. “Who needs a pink Cadillac when you can have this?”

“Speaking of Cadillacs,” said Mrs K R. “I hope you won’t drive me to distraction with bad jokes.”

“I’ll be good as gold!” I said. “Now that I’m in gear, I’m sure to strike a rich vein of humor!”

“Why do I sense that I’m about to be golden fleeced?” said Mrs K R.

Guess I’m not getting a gold star today.

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58 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Wonderful stories, but as usual, I'm stuck on wine. (We are upping our price range, so there are lots of new wines in our future. Or just the ones we stopped buying when the price went up.)

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, we drink a lot more wine than cocktails! Although we obviously like cocktails, it's really their great good looks, and often fun stories, that most intrigue us. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Izaa said...

yummy!!!!!!!!!!

Angie's Recipes said...

I love dessert alike cocktails :-) This looks absolutely dreamy and wonderful, John.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Ihi Izaa, it is! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, definitely worth trying -- the flavor is quite interesting. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Velva said...

Interesting! I would definitely pair this up with a dessert or after dinner. I am a sucker for coupe glasses. Any opportunity to visit an antique store and I am at the stemware. I have the perfect coupe glasses for this cocktail :-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Velva, don't you love the shape of coupe glasses! And I'm with you on antique glassware -- there are some wonderful old glasses out there. :-) Thanks for the comment.

savorthebest said...

Oh wow, this is very fancy! It is perfect for Father's Day this weekend.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, enjoy! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Family Spice said...

What a great story behind such a fancy and festive cocktail!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, isn't that such a fun story? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

Decadent and delicious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, yup! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Chef Mimi said...

Oh fabulous. I think I’ve had one ages ago. Thanks for the reminder!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mimi, it's worth getting reacquainted with this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

This sounds perfect for our 4th of July bash!! Something fun, delicious and celebratory. Thanks for the inspiration!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, these are definitely celebratory. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

Dessert cocktails are my favorite. I like the little bit of sweetness while relaxing with a drink after a meal!

Eha said...

*smile* Was going to state I did not know cocktails were drunk after dinner . . . and then I remembered my youth-time love of Brandy Alexanders ! Looks lovely . . . if only the cream was not there . . .

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, there aren't that many dessert cocktails, and a lot of them contain cream, alas.So not really your thing. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, bet you'll like this one! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Great story. Not necessarily what I would think of as a man's drink, but I do love traditions! And yes, I remember someone making these for me when I was still in high school. And yes, they are perfect for dessert! Happy Father's Day John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, a terrific dessert drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Merryn said...

Dessert in a glass this sure is a luxurious cocktail. The story behind its creation is very interesting and so appropriate.

Raymund said...

Definitely an elegant looking cocktail

Sherry's Pickings said...

this looks very lush KR. Delish I'm sure. Years ago my housemate used to make us cocktails with gallons of galliano etc. we used to roll around the floors ... ah memories.

Bernadette said...

You had me at the name. Who can resist a golden Cadillac.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, isn't that story fun? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, good one, too! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, food and drink memories are so powerful, aren't they? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bernadette, we can't! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

The minute I saw it, I thought it was reminiscent of a Brandy Alexander (which I love). When I was just out of college, I always had Galliano in my house, because my uncle and godfather loved it. Oddly, I have never had Crème de Cacao! Definitely a fun drink to make - thanks!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, I'm betting you'll love this! The Galliano adds a nice tang. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

I just love the stories you post with these interesting cocktails. As usual the photography is beautiful. I'm afraid this cocktail might be a bit too sweet for my taste but I know a few people who'd love it. Good to keep on hand if someone would prefer a libation instead of dessert.
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, this is definitely sweet. But sometimes we like to drink our dessert. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ben | Havocinthekitchen said...

I've never heard of Golden Cadillac. But I love creamy and dessert-kind of cocktails, so thank you for this. My wedding anniversary is in July, so that's a perfect drink to celebrate :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ben, knowing your taste in cocktails, you'll love this! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

Sounds delicious! I love sweet, so afternoon relaxer it is. :-) ~Valentina

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, bet you'll enjoy this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Vagabonde said...

This looks like an interesting cocktail and one to try. Its name remind me of visiting the little town of Cadillac in the Gironde department of France (about 30 km from Bordeaux.) The town was founded in 1280 and has several wineries. Their wine is called Cadillac (controlled appellation.) It is a sweet wine of golden color (but does not travel well so I can’t find it in the US.) As you may know the name Cadillac was adopted by Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac (1658-1730) a French explorer, founder of the city of Detroit and governor of Louisiana. Cadillac, Michigan is named after him. Maybe that’s why General Motors named their car also after him?

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vagabonde, I didn't actually know much of that, but Mrs KR did (she was a French major). Interesting stuff. Good to see you again, and thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

Ooh, chocolatey and creamy! This is like boozy dessert. And there's nothing wrong about that. ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, we like boozy desserts. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

OMGosh, you just don't know how many fond memories you are bringing back to me with your retro cocktails! My parents had an Italian restaurant and pretty cool lounge (it was too cool to be called a 'bar') where all of the local professionals would stop and have true mixed cocktails before, during, and after dinner. I remember (I was pretty young) the creamy cocktails such as the Golden Cadillac, the Grasshopper, the Pink Lady, etc. etc. I so wanted to be able to hold one of those glasses and sip away. Of course, we were able to do so with the infamous Shirley Temples!!!! Keep these coming if you can; they are so great to read and prepare!
Ciao and Happy Father's Day,
Roz

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Roz, we LOVE classic cocktails! Great flavors, wonderful good looks, terrific stories behind them. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

Happy Father's Day John! Mmmm dessert in a glass and so much easier than baking a cake. (smiling)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, dessert in a glass is always the easiest way to go! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

I have all the ingredients for this cocktail onhand! I'm going to make one tonight!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, enjoy! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

My husband's family use to make this cocktail. I haven't about it for years. So good.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, doesn't this have nice flavor? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ron said...

John, I'm with Roz above, what memories you've brought back to me with this one. I haven't had a GC in many years, but might just have to indulge in one soon...

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, it's really retro! But good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

For me, this drink is a milk shake and goes down WAY too easy, :) So good!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, this is rather like a milk shake! :-) Thanks for the comment.

bread&salt said...

Looks great! I would like to try it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi B&S, this is really good -- definitely worth a try. :-) Thanks for the comment.