Apple Cider Margarita Recipe

This spiced Apple Cider Margarita will become one of your favorite fall cocktails! Whether you need the perfect drink for your party or just something to enjoy with a loved one on chilly fall evenings, this delicious cocktail with the warm spices of the season will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your soul!

Why You Will Love This Fall Margarita Recipe

• The cinnamon sugar rim and the fresh apple cider provide the perfect way to get a punch of fall flavors, making this perfect for a Thanksgiving margarita or other holiday gatherings!
• This apple cider margarita recipe is easy to make! It only takes a few simple ingredients, which are thrown into a shaker to be mixed, then poured into a glass for serving. We all need easy recipes during this busy time of year! 
• The balance of flavors is a hit! You’ll love the tang of the lime, the slight bitterness of the liquor, and the sweetness of the cider and spices. Putting all those flavors together into one drink makes some delicious apple cider margaritas!

How to make the cinnamon sugar rim

A salt rim is traditional on a classic margarita, but this cinnamon sugar rim adds something special to this drink. 

Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture onto a small plate. Next, run the lime wedge around the rim of the glasses. Dip the glass rims into the cinnamon sugar, then fill the glasses with ice.

What do I need to make a Spiced Margarita with Apple Cider?

• Lime wedge
• Cinnamon Sugar – you can buy or make your own.
• Apple Cider
• Tequila
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Triple Sec
• Cinnamon Stick
• Apple Slices

How to make the best Apple Cider Margarita

Combine cider, tequila of choice, fresh lime juice, and triple sec into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Place the lid on tightly and shake until the drink is chilled, then pour the mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish with the apple slices and cinnamon stick.

Where can I find premixed cinnamon sugar?

You can usually find it next to the regular cinnamon in your local grocery stores. You can also make your own by mixing one part cinnamon with two parts sugar. I like having extra on hand, so I will mix up half a cup of granulated sugar and a quarter cup of ground cinnamon, then store the mixture in an airtight container to use again.

I can’t find apple cider. Can I use apple juice instead?

If apple cider is not sold in your store, you can find unfiltered apple juice and use that in place of the apple cider. You can use apple juice in a pinch if your store does not sell that.

However, I highly recommend visiting your local cider mill (if you have one) and purchasing some fresh apple cider! It tastes miles better than anything at the grocery store!

What is the point of running the lime slice on the edge of the glass?

This is so the cinnamon and sugar mixture will stick to your glass.

Do you recommend Reposado tequila or Blanco tequila?

This comes down to a personal preference, so use your favorite tequila. Typically, tequilas that are aged longer make the best margaritas. But I like this particular drink with a Blanco tequila.

You can also substitute a different orange liqueur for the triple sec, like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.

Can I make these in a large batch ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is for one cocktail, so multiply as needed for more. Instead of pouring into individual glasses, make sure you keep the cocktail in a chilled pitcher in the fridge until ready to serve. Do not add ice until you are ready to pour it into glasses.

Looking for more Holiday Cocktails?

One great option is my Apple Cider Sangria. Or, try this delightful Winter Cosmopolitan. If you are a Bourbon fan, try this Brown Sugar Bourbon Cocktail.
You can find all our drink and cocktail recipes on the drink category page. Cheers!