Apple Cider Margarita is the ultimate fall twist on a classic cocktail — crisp, sweet, and perfectly spiced. Fresh apple cider blends beautifully with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice to create a drink that’s both refreshing and cozy. Finished with a cinnamon-sugar rim and a slice of fresh apple, it’s the perfect cocktail for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any chilly evening.
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🍎 Apple Cider Margarita Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila (blanco or reposado)
- 1 ounce orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 2 ounces fresh apple cider
- ¾ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ ounce simple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- For the rim: cinnamon + sugar + salt mixture
- Garnish: apple slices, cinnamon stick, or star anise

🥃 How To Make Apple Cider Margarita
- Prepare the rim:
On a small plate, mix equal parts cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into the mixture. - Mix the cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, orange liqueur, apple cider, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using). Fill with ice. - Shake:
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until chilled. - Serve:
Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise for a festive touch.
💭 Recipe Tips
- Use quality tequila: Reposado tequila adds warm, caramel-like depth; blanco keeps it bright and crisp.
- Make it sparkling: Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling apple cider for extra fizz.
- Serve for a crowd: Mix a pitcher using 2 cups tequila, 1 cup orange liqueur, 2 cups apple cider, and ¾ cup lime juice.
- Spice it up: Add a cinnamon stick or a dash of ground nutmeg to the shaker for more fall flavor.
- For a mocktail: Swap tequila for sparkling water or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version.
🥮 What To Serve With Apple Cider Margaritas?
These margaritas pair beautifully with fall appetizers like baked brie, pumpkin hummus, apple cheddar crostini or roasted nuts. For dessert, serve alongside caramel apple bars, spiced cookies or pecan pie for a complete autumn-inspired spread.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Margarita Mix?
- Refrigerate: Mix all ingredients except ice and store in a sealed pitcher for up to 2 days. Shake or stir before serving.
- Do not freeze: The citrus and cider lose freshness after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make it frozen?
Yes! Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth for a frozen apple cider margarita.
Can I use spiced apple cider?
Absolutely it adds a deeper, cozy flavor perfect for fall.
Can I rim the glass with something different?
Try brown sugar and cinnamon for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Mix all liquid ingredients in a large pitcher and keep chilled. Add ice just before serving.
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📊 Apple Cider Margarita Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Apple Cider Margarita
Course: Winter Drink RecipesCuisine: American2
servings7
minutes200
kcalThis Apple Cider Margarita blends tequila, orange liqueur, apple cider, and lime juice with a cinnamon-sugar rim for a cozy fall cocktail that’s both refreshing and festive.
Ingredients
2 ounces tequila (blanco or reposado)
1 ounce orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
2 ounces fresh apple cider
¾ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
½ ounce simple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
For the rim: cinnamon + sugar + salt mixture
Garnish: apple slices, cinnamon stick, or star anise
Ice cubes
Directions
- Rim the glass with cinnamon-sugar.
- Shake tequila, cider, orange liqueur, lime juice, and syrup with ice.
- Strain into a glass and garnish with apple and cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Use quality tequila: Reposado tequila adds warm, caramel-like depth; blanco keeps it bright and crisp.
Make it sparkling: Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling apple cider for extra fizz.
Serve for a crowd: Mix a pitcher using 2 cups tequila, 1 cup orange liqueur, 2 cups apple cider, and ¾ cup lime juice.
Spice it up: Add a cinnamon stick or a dash of ground nutmeg to the shaker for more fall flavor.
For a mocktail: Swap tequila for sparkling water or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version.