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A festive Apple Cider Margarita cocktail garnished with cinnamon sticks is the featured image for this recipe.

Apple Cider Margarita

This Apple Cider Margarita is a delightful fall cocktail that blends the crisp sweetness of apple cider with the tangy zest of lime and tequila. Rimmed with cinnamon sugar, it's an easy-to-make and incredibly delicious drink perfect for any autumn occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces tequila blanco or reposado
  • 3 ounces fresh, unfiltered apple cider
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ ounce orange liqueur Cointreau or Triple Sec
  • ½ ounce agave nectar optional, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Apple slices for garnish optional
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish optional
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring spoons
  • Margarita glass
  • Small plate
  • Lime wedge or small dish
  • Ice
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Rim: On a small plate, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
  2. Moisten the rim of your margarita glass with a lime wedge or a bit of apple cider.
  3. Gently roll the rim of the glass in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Combine and Shake: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave nectar (if using).
  5. Shake well until the shaker is chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
  6. Strain and Serve: Strain the margarita into your prepared cinnamon sugar-rimmed glass filled with ice.
  7. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick (optional, but highly recommended!).
  8. Enjoy responsibly!

Notes

Apple cider varies in sweetness, so taste your margarita before serving and adjust the agave nectar to your liking. Blanco tequila offers a brighter flavor, while reposado adds a subtle oakiness. Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended. For a spicy variation, add jalapeno slices to the shaker. Try topping with sparkling apple cider or Prosecco. Add a pinch of apple pie spice for a warm flavor. Substitute maple syrup for agave nectar. Or, drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass.