If you love margaritas but want something that feels cozy and seasonal, this Apple Cider Margarita is the perfect match. It’s crisp, lightly spiced, and just sweet enough to sip by a fire or serve at a fall gathering. The cinnamon sugar rim adds warmth and a little sparkle with every sip.
This cocktail strikes a balance between refreshing citrus and rich apple, with tequila bringing it all together. It’s simple to make, easy to batch, and looks beautiful in the glass.
Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet meets tart: Apple cider pairs with fresh lime juice to keep the drink bright, not cloying.
- Tequila and spice: Reposado tequila adds a touch of vanilla and oak that complements cinnamon and cider perfectly.
- The rim matters: A cinnamon sugar rim enhances flavor, not just presentation. It adds a little crunch and spice to every sip.
- Easy to customize: You can make it sweeter, spicier, or even smoky with mezcal.
It’s flexible without losing its core appeal.
- Perfect for batching: This recipe scales well, so you can make a pitcher for parties with zero fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila (reposado recommended; blanco also works)
- 2 ounces fresh apple cider (unfiltered is best)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1/2 to 3/4 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
- 1/4 to 1/2 ounce maple syrup or simple syrup (optional, to taste)
- Ice (for shaking and serving)
- Apple slices and/or cinnamon stick (for garnish, optional)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Rim:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Small pinch of salt (optional, but it sharpens flavors)
- Lime wedge or apple slice (to wet the rim)
Instructions
- Make the rim: Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
Set aside.
- Fill the shaker: Add tequila, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur, and sweetener (if using) to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice.
- Shake well: Shake hard for about 15 seconds until the shaker is very cold. This chills, dilutes, and blends the flavors.
- Prepare the glass: Add fresh ice to your rimmed glass.
Large cubes or a single clear cube melt slower and keep flavors balanced.
- Strain and garnish: Strain the margarita into the prepared glass. Garnish with a thin apple slice or a cinnamon stick if you like.
- Taste and adjust: If you prefer it sweeter, add a splash more cider or syrup. For more bite, squeeze in extra lime.
How to Store
For parties, you can make a pitcher in advance without ice.
Stir together tequila, cider, orange liqueur, and syrup in a sealed container and keep it chilled for up to 24 hours. Add fresh lime juice right before serving for the best flavor.
If you have leftovers, store the mixture (without ice) covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake or stir before pouring, as cider can settle.
Avoid storing a pre-rimmed glass; rim just before serving so it stays crisp.
Health Benefits
- Apple cider: Contains polyphenols and antioxidants, especially if unfiltered. It offers gentle sweetness without refined syrups.
- Lime juice: Adds vitamin C and acidity that can aid digestion and balance sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Provides warming flavor and may support healthy blood sugar when used in small amounts.
- Moderation matters: Tequila is still alcohol, so keep portions reasonable and drink water alongside your cocktail.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use apple juice instead of cider if you can help it. Juice is usually sweeter and thinner, which flattens the flavor.
- Don’t skip the lime juice. It brightens the drink and balances the sweetness from cider.
- Don’t over-sweeten. Taste first.
Add syrup only if needed, especially if your cider is already sweet.
- Don’t wet the rim with water. Use lime or apple for better adhesion and flavor.
- Don’t over-dilute. Shake with enough ice to chill, but don’t let it sit in the shaker. Strain promptly.
Variations You Can Try
- Smoky Mezcal Margarita: Replace half or all of the tequila with mezcal for a smoky, campfire edge.
- Spiced Cider: Simmer cider with a cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise for 10 minutes, then cool. Use in place of plain cider.
- Ginger Kick: Add 1/4 ounce ginger liqueur or a splash of ginger beer on top for brightness and heat.
- Salted Cinnamon Rim: Mix coarse salt with cinnamon sugar (50/50) for a sweet-savory twist.
- Caramel Apple: Drizzle a tiny bit of caramel sauce inside the glass and use a light hand with sweetener.
Great as a dessert-style drink.
- Chai Spice: Swap ground cinnamon with a chai spice blend for a cozy, aromatic rim.
- Zero-Proof Version: Use zero-proof tequila or replace tequila with strong-brewed cinnamon tea. Keep the orange liqueur flavor by adding a splash of orange juice and a few drops of orange extract.
- Pitcher Style: For 8 drinks, mix 2 cups tequila, 2 cups cider, 1 cup lime juice, 1/2 to 3/4 cup orange liqueur, and 1/4 to 1/2 cup syrup. Chill and serve over ice with rimmed glasses.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cider?
Yes.
Choose unfiltered apple cider if possible—it’s fuller in flavor and body. If all you have is clear apple juice, reduce or skip the syrup and add a bit more lime to keep it balanced.
What type of tequila is best?
Reposado is ideal because its subtle oak and vanilla notes complement the spices and apple. Blanco works if you prefer a brighter, cleaner profile.
If you enjoy smoke, try mezcal for a bolder twist.
Do I need orange liqueur?
It helps tie the apple and lime together and adds a classic margarita note. If you don’t have it, use a tablespoon of orange juice and a tiny splash of vanilla extract as a quick substitute.
Can I make it slushy?
Absolutely. Blend the ingredients with a cup of ice until slushy.
Taste and adjust the sweetness and lime, since blending can dull flavors slightly.
How do I keep apple slices from browning?
Dip the slices in a little lime juice or lemon juice before garnishing. Pat dry so they don’t water down the drink, then add just before serving.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
Use a drier cider if available, skip the syrup, and increase lime to 1.25 ounces. You can also add a pinch of salt to the shaker to sharpen flavors without adding sugar.
What glass should I use?
A rocks glass or a lowball works best.
The wide rim gives plenty of space for the cinnamon sugar and feels sturdy with ice.
Can I pre-rim glasses for a party?
Yes, but do it no more than an hour ahead. Store the rimmed glasses upside down on a sheet tray to keep the rim from getting sticky or dusty.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Margarita with a Cinnamon Sugar Rim is festive without being fussy. It’s the kind of cocktail you can throw together on a weeknight or multiply for a crowd.
With bright lime, cozy cider, and that warm spiced rim, it gives you the best of fall in one glass. Keep the ingredients simple, taste as you go, and make it your own. Cheers to an easy, crowd-pleasing classic with a seasonal twist.
