Apple Cider Margarita

So you'll be thrilled to know that if you enjoy a good margarita, there is a way to make a fall-themed one! This apple cider cocktail includes all your favorite fall aromas and flavors - and mixes it together with tequila!

When I think of fall baking, warm spices are always involved. And with this apple margarita, it was only natural to use one of them for rimming the glass. A cinnamon sugar cocktail rim makes this one of the best-spiced apple cider margaritas you'll ever have!

Why You'll Love an Apple Cider Margarita

Let me tell you, this one is a keeper! This apple margarita bursts with sweet apple flavors and tastes so smooth you'll wonder why you didn't think of it before.

It's really a delicious twist on the classic golden margarita and perfect for seasonal get-togethers and Halloween parties. Cheers!

Ingredients

• Apple Cider - fresh is best which is why this is perfect for apple season
• Tequila - blanco is best being a young tequila with a stronger flavor
• Grand Marnier - smooths out the cocktail
• Ice
• Garnishes: cinnamon sugar, apple slices, cinnamon stick

What type of apple cider?

• Filtered or Unfiltered: Apple cider is unfiltered. Filtered does not have the pulp and sediment which makes it pretty much like apple juice. You'll want to use unfiltered to make this drink.
• Pasteurized or Unpasteurized: Pasteurized lasts longer and is more shelf stable. Unpasteurized has a higher risk of harmful bacteria and can turn into vinegar or hard cider. Unpasteurized should be consumed within 2 weeks.

Best Tequila for an Apple Margarita

Reach for 100% agave tequilas for more complex flavor and better overall taste. You can find quality tequila in all price ranges. Some suggestions:

• Patron Roca Silver (high-end)
• Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Blanco (mid-price range)
• Espolon Blanco (budget)

How to Make An Apple Cider Cocktail

1. Add tequila to apple cider in a pitcher or cocktail shaker.
2. Pour in Grand Marnier. Mix well.

3. Garnish a margarita glass with a cinnamon sugar rim and fill with crushed ice.
4. Pour the beautifully fall-colored margarita mixture into the prepared glass. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Recipe Notes

• If you don't have Grand Marnier you can use Cointreau or Triple Sec instead.
• If you don't have apple cider you can use apple juice instead. Just note it won't have the same rich flavor.
• If you don't have a cocktail shaker you can use a mason jar with the lid on.

Cinnamon Sugar Rim

The cinnamon sugar rim is what gives this apple cider margarita recipe the much-loved margarita look and feel. Everyone loves the salt on a classic margarita, and this cinnamon sugar combo sweetens the entire thing and reminds me of apple pie.

Here's how to rim a glass with cinnamon sugar for this apple margarita:

Put a good layer of cinnamon sugar on a plate. I like to make mine with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 4 tablespoons of sugar, either granulated to coarse.

1. Rub an apple slice around the edge of the glass. This will wet the rim with the juice from the apple.
2. Dip the wet rim in the cinnamon sugar making sure to coat the entire rim.

Doesn't that look like fall in a glass? And wait until you taste the sweetness of the rim with the tart taste of the apples and zing of the tequila. It's the perfect fall cocktail to enjoy all apple season long.

Can you make an apple cider margarita ahead?

Yes! Simply pour the apple cider, Tequila, and Grand Marnier into an airtight container (a mason jar works great) and place it in the refrigerator. It will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Recipe Variations

There are a lot of different ways to make fall cocktails with apple cider. Here are some of my favorite ways to make fall margaritas.

Hot Apple Cider Margarita

1. Heat the apple cider in a saucepan until warm.
2. Add the Tequila and Grand Marnier.
3. Serve in a mug with a cinnamon stick.

Frozen Apple Cider Margarita

1. Place the apple cider, tequila, Grand Marnier, and ice in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses rimmed with cinnamon sugar.

Apple Cider Margarita Pitcher

1. Combine 48 ounces of apple cider, 8 ounces of tequila, and 8 ounces of Grand Marnier in a pitcher.
2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Stir and serve with ice and glasses rimmed with cinnamon sugar.

When ready to serve, shake the drink and pour it into cinnamon sugar-rimmed glasses filled with ice.

What to Serve with an Apple Margarita

Serve this delicious fall cocktail with appetizers or a meal with fall flavors. Here are some ideas:

• Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
• Chicken Salad with Apples
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Turkey Apple Pesto Flatbread

More Recipes to Make with Apples

• Caramel Apple Oat Bars
• Cinnamon Apple Streusel Bread
• Grandma's Apple Dumplings
• Stove Top Applesauce

More Fall Cocktails

Apple Cinnamon Cocktail with champagne, schnapps, and a float of ice cream.

Fireball Cocktail with apple cider served hot to warm you up on a chilly day.

Caramel Apple Cider Mule from Foxes Love Lemons

Blackberry Margarita is dark, fruity, and perfect for Halloween.

Want more? Find the best fall cocktails right here on 2CM!