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This Apple Cider Margarita is a cozy fall tequila cocktail, ideal for sipping by the fire on a crisp autumn evening.
If you enjoy margaritas, try other fall variations like the Fall Margaritas collection or explore more ways to use apple cider in cocktails, such as Apple Cider Sangria.
Recipe Highlights
- Cozy Fall Cocktail — Loaded with autumn flavors, this margarita brings a seasonal twist to a classic favorite.
- Big Batch — Easy to scale up and serve from a pitcher when hosting friends.
- Simple to Make — Only a few minutes and common ingredients are required.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apple Cider: Use store-bought or homemade apple cider for bright, fresh flavor.
- Tequila: Blanco tequila works well. Since it’s in a cocktail, mid-range tequila is fine. If you prefer no tequila, vodka is a neutral substitute.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best; bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
- Triple Sec: Adds orange notes. Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be used instead.
- Maple Syrup: A small amount enhances the fall profile and balances acidity.
- Cinnamon & Sugar: A cinnamon-sugar rim complements the cider; a salted rim is an alternative if you prefer savory contrast.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then gently roll the rim in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so it adheres.
Step 2: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add apple cider, tequila, lime juice, Triple Sec and maple syrup. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
Expert Tips
- Increase the tequila: For a stronger cocktail, raise the tequila to 1½–2 oz per drink.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more maple syrup or a brown sugar-cinnamon simple syrup for extra sweetness, or omit the maple syrup to keep it drier.
- Garnish ideas: Try a cinnamon stick, star anise, or apple slices on a cocktail pick for a festive presentation.
Recipe FAQs
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and chill for a couple of hours. Stir before serving and add ice to individual glasses rather than the pitcher to avoid diluting the batch.
This recipe uses non-alcoholic apple cider. Do not substitute hard cider (alcoholic) unless you want to increase the overall alcohol content and change the flavor profile.
📖 Recipe
Apple Cider Margarita
- Author: Ali
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 margarita
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A seasonal take on the classic margarita, combining crisp apple cider, bright lime, and warming maple and cinnamon for a balanced, festive cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 oz apple cider
- 1 oz tequila
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz Triple Sec
- 1 tsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Make the cinnamon sugar rim. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar so it sticks.
- Mix the cocktail. Add apple cider, tequila, lime juice, Triple Sec, and maple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake for about 20 seconds, then strain into the prepared glass over ice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add more alcohol: Increase tequila to 1½–2 oz for a stronger drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail Recipes
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 margarita
- Calories: 178
- Sugar: 14.7g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16.5g
- Protein: 0.1g