Apple Cider Margarita

This autumnal and sweet Apple Cider Margarita is the perfect way to transition from summer to fall with a festive and delicious cocktail!

With a distinct apple flavor, this twist on the classic margarita is ideal for embracing the first days of fall. A combination of apple cider, tequila, triple sec, and appropriate garnishes make this cocktail fantastic for sipping all throughout autumn.

It takes your favorite margarita flavors and infuses them with juicy apple and sweet, warm cinnamon for a unique cocktail that tastes like fall in a glass.

Why You’ll Love this Apple Cider Marg

When you want something delicious and festive but still on the colder side, try this tequila apple cider drink!

Garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, this drink has a beautiful presentation to accompany the bold and fruity flavors. You can even rim the glasses with cinnamon and sugar to double down on the autumnal flavors.

This cocktail is ideal for transitioning from summer to fall, for saying goodbye to warm days and welcoming cool and comforting ones!

We love using Espolòn tequila for this drink, and it joins the growing list of Espolòn Blanco Tequila Cocktails recipes we offer, like this yummy Mango Margarita!

Another great cocktail for ushering in fall is this recipe for Caramel Vodka Apple Cider slushies! 

If you’re looking for more Margarita recipes, be sure to check out our collection of more than 25 Margarita Recipes!

Apple Cider Margarita Recipe Ingredients

• Tequila – we love using Espolòn tequila for its high quality and relatively low price point.
• Triple Sec – provides an extra pop of citrus flavor that’s so indicative of a classic margarita.
• Apple Cider – gives your margarita a tart and sweet flavor that’s ideal for fall!
• Ice Cubes – like all margaritas, this drink is best enjoyed ice cold.
• Apple Wedge – you’ll use this as a garnish.
• Cinnamon Stick – another garnish that elevates the presentation and brings in more cinnamon flavor.
• Cinnamon – for rimming the glasses.
• Lime Wedge – provides fresh lime juice to bring out the citrusy notes of your apple cider margarita with triple sec.

 

Instructions

1. Take the lime wedge and coat the rim of the glass with lime juice. Roll the rim of the glass in the cinnamon.
   

   A cinnamon rim elevates these fall margaritas and imbues them with a sweet and spicy warmth that pairs perfectly with the sweet apple flavor.

2. Add an ice cube or two to the glass.
3. Pour in the tequila and triple sec to the glass with ice. Top off with apple cider.
   

   Using apple cider instead of margarita mix gives your cocktail a distinctly autumnal flavor that you’ll adore!

4. Garnish with an apple wedge and cinnamon stick.

 

FAQs

What is a hard cider margarita?

You can easily make this drink into a hard cider margarita by using hard cider instead of traditional apple cider! In that case, you may want to exclude the triple sec, or else your drink will be exceptionally strong.

How can I make this a virgin apple cider margarita?

To make this drink non-alcoholic, skip the tequila and triple sec and instead add a dash of orange bitters. You can then top off with some sparkling water (a flavored one works great, like cranberry or lime).

Can I turn this into a hot apple cider margarita?

You can! Heat the apple cider on its own, either by microwaving or by heating in a pot over the stove. Once it’s nice and hot, combine with the other ingredients. If you heat the tequila and triple sec with the cider, you risk cooking off all the alcohol!

What alcohol is best with apple cider?

Apple cider pairs exceptionally well with dark liquors like rum, brandy, bourbon, whiskey, etc., but it also pairs well with tequila and vodka, both regular and various flavors.

 

Popular Variations and Substitutions

• For some extra sweetness, add some maple syrup. Another option is to mix the cinnamon with some sugar and then rim the glasses in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• You can also make this drink in a cocktail shaker if you prefer to drink it without ice.
• If you like, use mezcal instead of tequila to give your cocktail a distinctly smoky flavor, which will pair well with the autumnal flavors.
• Another option for rimming the glass is to use some flaky salt in addition to the cinnamon. This provides a nice flavor contrast with the sweet and tart components.
• Make this margaritas in a pretty cocktail pitcher instead of in glasses to easily serve at happy hours, brunch, parties, and more!

 

More Margarita Recipes

• Italian Margarita – Using amaretto instead of orange liqueur provides a nutty and sweet almond note that will make you feel like you’re sitting in the Italian countryside!
• Peach Margarita – Sweet and summery, this margarita is bursting with ripe peach flavor and has a slushy-like consistency.
• Poor Man’s Margarita – This recipe uses limeade instead of margarita mix for a more affordable but equally delicious cocktail!
• Frozen Coconut Margarita – this pretty blue frozen margarita is perfect for a summer afternoon.

 

Other Fall Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love

• Crown Apple Jello Shots – A fun and delicious jello shot that uses crown apple whiskey and fun gummy ring candies as a garnish.
• Butterscotch Schnapps Apple Cocktail – This cocktail recipe distills the flavors of caramel apples down into a cold and refreshing beverage!
• Cranberry Apple Mimosas – Perfect for the holidays, these sophisticated mimosas are great for any breakfast or brunch.
• Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats – You’ll love this creamy and flavorful breakfast from Ambitious Kitchen.

 

Margarita with Apple Cider