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Oh, do you know the scent of crisp fallen leaves mixed with warm apple cider simmering on the stove? That exact aroma is what inspired me to create this Apple Cider Margarita – my absolute favorite way to toast to fall. I first whipped up a batch for a chaotic Friendsgiving a few years ago (you know, when I realized at 4pm that I’d forgotten to plan cocktails!), and it was an instant hit. Now, it’s become my signature drink whenever the air turns chilly. There’s something magical about blending the zesty kick of a classic margarita with sweet, spiced cider. Trust me – after one sip, you’ll be making these all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Margarita
This isn’t just any cocktail—it’s fall in a glass, with all the cozy vibes and none of the fuss. Here’s why it’s my go-to all season:
- Instant autumn magic: That cinnamon-kissed rim? The warm apple-cider sweetness? One sip and you’re basically wearing your favorite sweater by a bonfire.
- Faster than ordering takeout: Seriously, 5 minutes (maybe 6 if you’re chatting while shaking). No fancy skills needed—just dump, shake, and pour.
- Sweetness you control: Love it tart? Go light on the agave. Got a sweet tooth? Drizzle in extra. I like mine with a hint of maple syrup sometimes (shh, don’t tell Grandma).
- Party hero: Multiply the recipe, toss it in a pitcher with cinnamon sticks as swizzlers, and watch it disappear at holiday gatherings. Bonus: No one will guess how easy it was!
Every time I serve these, someone asks for the recipe—which, honestly, is the best compliment a home bartender can get.
Apple Cider Margarita Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make my favorite fall cocktail – and yes, that cinnamon sugar rim is non-negotiable (trust me, it makes all the difference)! This recipe makes one perfect drink, but I’ll show you how to scale it up for a crowd later.
- 2 oz tequila (silver or reposado both work great)
- 1 oz 100% pure apple cider – not juice! Look for the cloudy, unfiltered kind
- 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 juicy lime)
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec – whatever’s in your cabinet)
- 1/2 oz agave syrup – or to taste
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon + pinch of nutmeg (my secret weapon!)
- Large ice cubes for shaking and serving
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming (mix 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)
That’s it! Now let me tell you about my favorite ingredient tweaks…
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something – I’ve made this drink with all sorts of substitutions over the years! Here are my tried-and-true swaps:
- No tequila? Mezcal adds amazing smoky depth (just cut it with 1 oz tequila if it’s too intense)
- Out of agave? Maple syrup tastes incredible here – use 3/4 oz since it’s sweeter
- Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh makes it sing (I keep those plastic lime squeezers around for lazy days)
- Pressed for time? Pre-made cinnamon sugar is fine – Trader Joe’s has a great one
See? Even my “oops” moments led to delicious discoveries. The key is tasting as you go – add more cider if it’s too strong, more lime if it’s too sweet. Your perfect margarita is just a shake away!
How to Make an Apple Cider Margarita
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! I’ve made this cocktail so many times I could probably do it in my sleep (but please don’t – sharp knives and sleepy mixing don’t mix). Follow these easy steps for the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spice every single time.
- Rim your glass like a pro: Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of your glass – I use rocks glasses, but mason jars work too! Dip it in the cinnamon sugar mixture and twirl. That first sweet-spicy sip? Pure heaven.
- Shake it like you mean it: Fill your shaker with big ice cubes, then add tequila, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave, cinnamon, and that pinch of nutmeg. Now shake hard for 15 seconds – until the shaker frosts over and your arm gets a little tired (consider it your pre-cocktail workout!).
- Strain and serve: Pour that beautiful golden elixir into your rimmed glass over fresh ice. The straining part? Non-negotiable. Nobody wants rogue ice shards in their drink.
- The finishing touch: Garnish with an apple slice speared on a cinnamon stick (my favorite) or just a simple lime wheel. Sometimes I even float a few apple slices in the pitcher for parties – makes it look fancy with zero effort.
Pro tip: Always taste before serving! Depending on your cider’s sweetness, you might want an extra squeeze of lime or drizzle of agave. Mixology isn’t rocket science – it’s just delicious experimentation.
Pitcher Instructions for Parties
Hosting a crowd? You brilliant entertainer, you! Multiply all ingredients by 8 (that’s 2 cups tequila, 1 cup cider – you got this) and mix in a big pitcher. Just don’t add ice until you’re ready to serve, or it’ll dilute. I prep mine in batches – shake 4 servings at a time with ice, then strain into the pitcher. Keep the cider chilled beforehand so everything stays frosty.
For serving, I set out the pitcher with cinnamon sticks as stirrers (genius, right?) and let guests rim their own glasses. Bonus: The longer it sits (up to 2 hours), the more the flavors mingle. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring – and maybe hide one for yourself before they disappear!
Apple Cider Margarita Variations
Sometimes I wake up craving this drink but don’t have all the ingredients, and you know what? Those “oops” moments often lead to the tastiest discoveries! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up when the mood strikes differently:
- Spicy autumn sipper: Muddle 2 slices of jalapeño in your shaker before adding the other ingredients – that lingering heat against the sweet cider? *Chef’s kiss*.
- Kid-friendly version: Skip the alcohol and top with ginger beer instead – my nieces love it with extra cinnamon sugar on the rim (total crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving!).
- Bourbon twist: Swap tequila for bourbon when I’m feeling fancy – it’s like autumn in Kentucky meets a margarita (add maple syrup instead of agave for bonus points).
The best part? These variations still give you that cozy fall feeling without ever being boring. Mix, sip, repeat!
Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Cider Margarita
You know what pairs perfectly with that first heavenly sip? A spread of cozy fall snacks! I love serving these margaritas with warm baked brie (that gooey goodness + cinnamon sugar rim = insane combo) or homemade spiced nuts. For glassware, I’m team rocks glass all the way – that wide rim holds more cinnamon sugar! Though my friend swears by coupe glasses for a fancy touch. Either way, just make sure there’s plenty to go around – these disappear fast!
Apple Cider Margarita FAQs
I get asked these questions every time I serve this cocktail – and hey, no shame in wondering! Here are the answers that’ll save you some frantic Googling mid-party prep:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often mix up a batch (without ice) up to 2 hours before serving – just store it in the fridge. The flavors actually get better as they mingle! Add ice when you’re ready to pour. Anything longer than 2 hours and the lime juice starts losing its brightness.
What’s the best apple cider to use?
Local, unfiltered cider is my go-to – that cloudy, fresh-pressed kind from farmer’s markets. It has more apple flavor and natural sweetness. If you can’t find it, any 100% pure cider works (just avoid the clear “apple juice” – it’s too thin). My favorite brand? Whatever’s fresh from the orchard stand!
Any fun rim alternatives to cinnamon sugar?
Oh, let me count the ways! For a spicy kick, try Tajín (that chili-lime salt). During Halloween, I use purple sanding sugar for a festive touch. Crushed gingersnaps make a fantastic autumnal rim too – just dunk the glass in lime juice first so they stick. Honestly? The rim is your playground – get creative!
Nutrition Information
Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates since apple cider sweetness and your exact tequila pour can vary. But here’s the general scoop per cocktail: about 220 calories, 15g sugar (mostly from that cider and agave), and 20g carbs. Honestly? Worth every sip when you’re craving that perfect fall flavor explosion!
PrintApple Cider Margarita
A fall-inspired twist on the classic margarita, featuring apple cider and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming
- Ice
Instructions
- Rim a glass with cinnamon sugar.
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into the rimmed glass over ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, use mezcal instead of tequila.
- Make a pitcher version by multiplying the ingredients by 8 and serving in a large jug.
- Adjust sweetness with more or less agave syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg