Apple Cider Margarita

The vibrant apple cider margarita captures the essence of iconic fall flavors. Combining tequila, Grand Marnier, and apple cider, this sweet and tangy cocktail is perfect for autumn gatherings and cozy evenings. Adding a cinnamon sugar rim adds a delightful touch, enhancing the seasonal experience with every sip.

These apple cider margaritas are a family favorite. The taste is amazing and simply screams fall time. It’s also easy to make with only three ingredients and will surely become a necessity at your holiday or Thanksgiving party.

There are many things to enjoy about Autumn: the kiddos are back in school, the weather is cooling off, it’s a great time to peep at beautiful foliage and you can even go apple or pumpkin picking.

Here in New England, we love those things just as much as the next person, but for most people around here, they love Autumn because that’s when you can consume as much fresh apple cider as you want.

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Helpful tips

• Use the freshest apple cider you can get; make sure there are no additives and that the ingredients are just apples. I always buy from a local orchard.
• You don’t need to use premium alcohol in this cocktail because you probably won’t be able to taste the difference but even so, I always do.
• I use blanco tequila in this recipe, but you can use anejo or reposado tequila if you want.
• If you don’t have Grand Marnier, you can substitute orange liqueur, Cointreau for it to stay premium or substitute triple sec for it as the more budget friendly alternative.
• Cut the apples across the equator as thin as you can. You will add the fresh apple slices to the margarita as garnish.
• There are many ways you can garnish this cocktail:  apple wheels, apple slices, apple chunks, cinnamon stick, and lime wedge to name just a few.
• You don’t need to rim the glass with cinnamon and sugar. Although it makes the cocktail pretty and more festive.
• If you are going to add cinnamon and sugar to the rim of the glasses, add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon to a small mixing bowl and mix until combined. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on a flat plate, wet the rim of the glass with apple cider and dip each glass, rim side down to coat them. Shake off the excess and set the glasses aside.
• I don’t use fresh lime juice or a sweetener like simple syrup or maple syrup in this cocktail because the apple cider is sweet enough.

How to make the apple cider margarita

Pre-step

Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice and get your measuring glass and glassware.

After measuring out the ingredients, pour them into the shaker.

*If you are going to add cinnamon and sugar to the rim of the glasses, add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon to a small mixing bowl and mix until combined. Sprinkle it on a flat plate, wet the rim of the glass with apple cider and place each glass, rim side down to coat them.  Shake off the excess and set the glasses aside.*

Step one

Gather the ingredients:  Apple cider, tequila and orange liqueur. (A)

Step two

Measure out 4 ounces of tequila. (B)

Step two

Measure out 2 ounces of Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur. (C)

Step three

Measure out 8 ounces of apple cider. (D)

Step four

Cut thin wheels out of the apple (through the equator).

Step five

Add a few big ice cubes to the glasses.

Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Strain and divide the apple cider marg between the two glasses. Don’t pour the margarita over the cinnamon sugar rim; you don’t want it to fall into the drink. Add the ice cubes from the shaker to the drink as well.

Step six

Place an apple slice in each glass.

Let’s look at the vertical view.

I hope you enjoyed this apple cider margarita recipe!

Please leave me a comment.  What’s your favorite apple cider cocktail?

Other apple cider cocktails

• Apple cider spritz
• Bourbon smash
• Apple butter old fashioned

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

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