A Cinnamon Spiced Apple Cider Margarita combines the classic margarita with the rich and comforting flavors of fresh apple cider, creating a drink perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinners, fall gatherings, or simply for sipping by the fireplace.
Who says a margarita can only be enjoyed during the heat of summer? I love a seasonal drink for fall and winter, and friends, this Apple Cider Margarita is IT. The addition of apple cider and a cinnamon sugar rim gives this favorite classic cocktail an upgrade with its warming spices and delicious flavors. Get your margarita glass ready - this will soon become one of your favorite fall cocktails!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Simple to make. Like a regular margarita, this apple margarita is simple to make. (Try my classic Negroni Recipe for another super easy fall cocktail!)
- Great for a larger crowd. You can make a large batch of these apple cider cocktails for a party or holiday dinner. It's the perfect drink for cooler months.
- The festive rim! A quick squeeze of fresh lime juice around the edge of the glass, followed by a dip in cinnamon sugar is a fun alternative to a salt rim and gives this drink a festive touch. Garnished with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick, this delicious cocktail is a stunner.
- Delicious. The Apple Cider Margarita strikes the perfect balance between the zesty kick of a classic margarita and the sweet, autumnal notes of fresh apple cider.
Key Ingredients
Just a handful of simple margarita ingredients are needed to make these delicious apple cider margaritas.
- Tequila. A good margarita has to have tequila! I used blanco here, but choose what you like best. (Who knew apple cider and tequila would go so well!)
- Cointreau. An orange liquor that pairs perfectly with the apple flavor.
- Lime juice. This adds a zingy flavor to the drink. You'll also use the lime to help line the rim of your glasses with cinnamon sugar.
- Apple cider. Choose an unfiltered, pasteurized apple cider for best results.
- Cinnamon sugar. Cinnamon sugar is an easy spice to mix on your own and pairs perfectly with the warm flavors in this margarita. (Learn how to make a batch of the best cinnamon sugar ratio here.)
- Fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. These special garnishes are perfect for the holiday season.
How To Make Apple Cider Margaritas
This apple cider tequila drink can be made in just a few minutes!
- Combine ingredients. In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice, combine lime juice, Cointreau, reposado tequila, and apple cider.
- Shake. Shake or mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Make the cinnamon sugar. On a small plate, spread out the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Coat the rim of the glass. Run a lime wedge around the edge of each glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it evenly.
- Strain and pour. Strain the apple cider margarita into the prepared glasses, filled with a handful of ice cubes.
- Garnish. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice.
Variations And Substitutions
- Make it bubbly! For a bubbly treat, try using sparkling apple cider instead of still.
- Try different brands or types of cider. Experiment with different types of apple cider for unique flavor profiles.
- Use triple sec instead of Cointreau. Cointreau can be a bit spicy, but a good, less expensive alternative for the orange liqueur is triple sec or even Grand Marnier. (Learn the difference between these orange liquors in this All Recipes Article!)
- Add some spice. Add a touch of spice with a pinch of cayenne or star anise.
- Sub in brown sugar for the cinnamon sugar mix. Consider using brown sugar instead of regular sugar in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a richer taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Blanco tequila works well for a more classic margarita flavor, but reposado, (aged in oak barrels) would add some depth to this drink and pair nicely with the warm spices of the apple cider. Choose your personal preference and experiment with different types of tequila to see what you like best.
Certainly! Simply adjust the quantities accordingly and mix in a pitcher for a convenient party-friendly option.
Yes! If you want a mocktail version of this margarita. substitute the tequila for equal parts sparkling water, and Cointreau with an equal amount of orange juice for a refreshing alcohol-free alternative.
You'll want to look for unfiltered apple cider at your local grocery stores. Unfiltered apple cider still has the pulp and sediment giving it a more earthy quality whereas filtered will resemble apple juice.
You'll also want to look for pasteurized apple cider. Unpasteurized apple cider basically means it hasn't been heated to kill off any of the harmful bacteria that may be lurking. Most apple cider sold in grocery stores should be pasteurized, but it's always safest to check the label.
Enhance the visual appeal by adding a sprig of rosemary or star anise to each glass. It's a small touch that makes a big difference.
With the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to embrace the winter flavors with this delicious Apple Cider Margarita. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, a New Year's celebration, or just looking for a cozy drink to enjoy by the fire, this cocktail is a great way to elevate your festivities.
If you try this delicious Apple Cider Margarita recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram. I love to see your masterpieces!
More Delicious Cocktails
Recipe
Best Cinnamon Spiced Apple Cider Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoon Cointreau
- 4 tablespoon tequila
- 8 tablespoon apple cider
- 1 cup cinnamon sugar mixture
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 apple slices
Instructions
- Add the lime juice, Cointreau, tequila, and apple cider to a mixing glass or shaker with ice. Mix or shake until well combined.
- Place the cinnamon sugar on a plate. Run a lime around the edge of each glass, then dip the lip of the glass into the cinnamon sugar. Shake off any excess.
- Strain the apple cider margarita into the individual glasses, and garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
- To add the apple slice to the rim, use a sharp knife to make a small cut in the middle of the slice, then slide it onto the rim of the glass.
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Brady says
These were delicious! Warming and comforting - perfect for sipping by the fire.
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Brady! That's exactly how I like to enjoy these too!