An apple cider margarita is a celebration of the best season of all – fall! This drink has the perfect blend of spices with a fresh citrus splash. Who knew that apple cider and tequila mixed so well together? After one sip, you’ll agree that this is the perfect fall cocktail.
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Whenever I think of margaritas, I think of fruity drinks at a fiesta with plenty of chips, guac, and tacos. I’m used to margaritas being a summertime drink, thanks to Cinco de Mayo recipes. I took this summer drink and reimagined it with all of the best things about the apple season.
In fact, you can enjoy this from the beginning of fall until the end of winter. Just like a classic margarita, you will make a mixed drink with tequila and pour it into a rimmed glass. Instead of a sour mixture, I used apple cider with a combination of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar.
Since I used orange juice instead of orange liqueur, I used more tequila. This little change kept the margarita strong while also letting it taste warm and delicious.
If you are going to serve this fall cocktail at a party, serve it with other harvest-celebrating favorites, like my Apple Brandy Cocktail. Mix up a Pumpkin Spice Boozy Milkshake for anyone that wants a dessert drink to satiate their sweet tooth.
Why This Recipe Works
This apple cider margarita is a really easy cocktail that you can make. Mixing the ingredients and pouring them into your glass takes just a few minutes.
You will also love how incredibly flavorful this drink is! The warm apple cider is elevated by the cinnamon sugar on the rim of the glass. Cinnamon is one of my favorite fall spices because it has a natural heat to it that reminds me of a crackling fire in the fireplace.
This is the perfect fall drink. You can serve it at any holiday. Serve it to guests at Halloween parties, drink it at Thanksgiving with your turkey, or enjoy it while you open gifts at Christmas.
If you follow the recipe as it is written, it makes enough for two glasses, but you can easily adjust it to make a pitcher or serve a crowd from a punchbowl.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (from 1 medium orange)
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeeze lime juice (from 1/2 a lime)
- 1/3 cup tequila
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (or salt, if preferred)
- 2 1/2 cups ice
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Cut the orange in half and juice until you have 1/4 cup. Cut the lime in half and juice until you have 1 tablespoon. Cut the remaining lime into wedges for rimming the glass and/or garnish.
Create!
Combine the orange juice, lime juice, tequila, and apple cider in a cocktail shaker. Shake 4-5 times to combine.
Mix together the cinnamon and sugar on a plate.
Use a lime wedge to coat the outside rim of two glasses with lime juice.
Place the wet rim into the cinnamon and sugar mixture and spin until the rim is coated.
Divide the ice between the glasses.
Pour the margarita mixture over the ice.
Present!
Garnish with apple slices, orange or lime wedges and/or a cinnamon stick which makes for a perfect stirrer and adds a bit more warm cinnamon flavor.
Tips and Techniques
- Fresh squeezed orange and lime juice will give you the best flavor. In a pinch, bottled juices can be used.
- Margaritas can be made up to three days ahead of time, but will have the best flavor for up to one day. Store in the refrigerator without ice until ready to serve.
FAQ’s
Can Apple Juice Be Used Instead Of Apple Cider?
Apple juice can be used in place of apple cider; however, they are two different types of beverages, and the finished margarita won’t have the same spiced flavor that apple cider brings.
Can Hot Apple Cider Be Use?
It is not recommended to use hot apple cider for this margarita recipe. It will cause the ice to melt too quickly and water down the flavor of the beverage.
Why Isn’t My Salt Rim Sticking To The Glass?
It’s important to use your lime to coat one glass at a time so that the lime juice doesn’t dry before you dip it into the salt (or sugar). Be generous with the amount you apply so that there is enough juice to allow the salt to stick.
If it doesn’t go well the first time, you can always wipe off the glass and try again.
More Cocktail Recipes
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Apple Cider Margarita
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (from 1 medium orange)
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice (from 1/2 lime)
- 1/3 cup tequila
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (or salt)
- 2 1/2 cups ice
Instructions
- Cut the orange in half and juice until you have 1/4 cup. Cut the lime in half and juice until you have 1 tablespoon. Cut the remaining lime into wedges for rimming the glass and/or garnish.1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
- Combine the orange juice, lime juice, tequila, and apple cider in a cocktail shaker. Shake 4-5 times to combine.1/3 cup tequila, 1 cup apple cider
- Mix together the cinnamon and sugar on a plate. Use a lime wedge to coat the outside rim of two glasses with lime juice. Place the wet rim into the cinnamon and sugar mixture and spin until the rim is coated.1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Divide the ice between the glasses and pour the margarita mixture over the ice.2 1/2 cups ice
- Garnish with orange slices, lime wedges and/or a cinnamon stick which makes for a perfect stirrer and adds a bit more warm cinnamon flavor.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Fresh squeezed orange and lime juice will give you the best flavor. In a pinch, bottled juices can be used.
- Margaritas can be made up to three days ahead of time, but will have the best flavor for up to one day. Store in the refrigerator without ice until ready to serve.
