Description
This Apple Cider Margarita is a festive fall twist on the classic cocktail. It combines the warmth of apple cider with tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice, served in a glass with a delightful cinnamon-sugar rim.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cinnamon Sugar Rim:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 lime wedge
For the Margaritas (Makes 2):
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) reposado tequila (100% agave recommended)
- 8 ounces (1 cup) apple cider
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- Lime wheels
- Thin apple slices
- Star anise pods
- Cinnamon sticks
- Fresh rosemary sprig
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Rim: On a small plate, stir together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Rim Glasses: Run the lime wedge around the rims of two margarita glasses (or other cocktail glasses). Dip the moistened rims into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, rotating the glasses to coat the rims evenly.
- Fill Glasses with Ice: Fill the prepared glasses with ice cubes.
- Combine Margarita Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the reposado tequila, apple cider, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake: Secure the lid tightly on the cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the margarita mixture from the shaker evenly into the two prepared glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish each margarita with a lime wheel, apple slice, star anise pod, cinnamon stick, or a fresh rosemary sprig, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Tequila: Reposado tequila, which is aged briefly, adds a smooth complexity that pairs well with apple cider. You can substitute blanco tequila if preferred. Use 100% agave tequila for the best quality.
- Apple Cider: Use a good quality apple cider (not sparkling cider unless you want extra fizz and less intense apple flavor).
- Orange Liqueur: Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier are common choices.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the authentic margarita taste.
- Sweetness: This margarita gets its sweetness from the apple cider and orange liqueur. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a small amount (1/4 – 1/2 ounce) of simple syrup or agave nectar to the shaker.
- Serving: Margarita glasses are traditional, but rocks glasses or other cocktail glasses work well too.