Go Back
–+ servings
Short glass with the margarita with an apple round in it - square
Print

Apple Cider Margarita

This vibrant apple cider margarita is a shining symbol of iconic fall flavors. All you need is tequila, Grand Marnier, and apple cider to bring this sweet and tangy cocktail recipe to life.
Course Cocktails
Cuisine American
Keyword apple cider, apple cider cocktail, apple cider margarita, margarita
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 cocktails
Calories 277kcal
Author Elaine Benoit

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces tequila (I used Patron Silver)
  • 2 ounces Grand Marnier (or Cointreau, or triple sec)
  • 8 ounces apple cider

Garnish

  • 2 slices apples (wheels, cut through the equator of the middle of apple)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional - to rim glass)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (optional - to rim glass)

Instructions

  • If you are going to rim the glasses with cinnamon and sugar, add the two ingredients to a small mixing bowl and mix until combined then sprinkle on a flat plate. Wet rim of glasses with apple cider and place rim side down into the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Shake off excess and set glasses aside.
    1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  • Add tequila, Grand Marnier and apple cider
    4 ounces tequila, 2 ounces Grand Marnier, 8 ounces apple cider
  • Add fresh big cubes to glasses, cap shaker and shake for at least 20 seconds
  • Strain contents between the two glasses and distribute the shaker's cubes between the two glasses
  • Add apple wheels to the cocktail
    2 slices apples
  • Sip
  • Smile
  • Enjoy

Notes

You don't need to rim the glass with sugar and cinnamon. It just makes for a pretty drink.  I usually swipe off a space on the rim to drink from.
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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.3mg