I have a Fall Drinks With Apple Cider margarita that turns ‘meh’ into a party in under five minutes and I refuse to be subtle about how good it is.

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I’m obsessed with this Apple Cider Margarita. It’s one of my favorite Fall Cider Cocktails and I can’t stop thinking about it.

Tequila blanco and apple cider make a bright, messy sip that slaps you awake. Cinnamon sugar rims and apple slices make it look like October without trying too hard.

I drink one alone, then I make a pitcher when friends show up. But mostly I want it because it hits tart, sweet and boozy all at once.

Simple indulgence. Dangerous company.

These Adult Apple Cider Drinks are the kind of thing I actually serve right now, no fuss.

Ingredients

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Tequila blanco brings bright agave punch; it keeps things honest and fun.
Apple cider adds cozy apple warmth, a bit sweet and seasonal.
Fresh lime juice cuts richness, gives that tart zip you want.
Basically orange liqueur brings citrus sweetness and a boozy orange hug.
Plus simple syrup smooths edges if you’re craving a sweeter sip.
Cinnamon sugar rim gives crunch and warm spice on every sip.
Ice chills fast and melts just enough to mellow the drink.
Apple slices add crunch and look pretty; totally Instagram friendly.
Lime wedges let you tweak tartness mid-sip, nice little control.

Ingredient Quantities

Tequila blanco, 2 fl oz per cocktail (about 1 1/2 cups for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)

Apple cider, 1 fl oz per cocktail (about 3/4 cup for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)

Fresh lime juice, 3/4 fl oz per cocktail (about 1/2 cup for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)

Orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec), 1/2 fl oz per cocktail (about 3 fl oz for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)

Simple syrup, 1/4 fl oz per cocktail, optional if you like it sweeter (about 1 1/2 fl oz for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)

Cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses, enough to coat rims (about 1 tablespoon for single drinks, ~1/2 cup for a pitcher)

Ice, plenty for shaking and serving

Apple slices and lime wedges for garnish

How to Make this

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1. Pour cinnamon sugar onto a small plate, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the glass into the sugar so it sticks; set glasses aside to dry a minute.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker or large jar with plenty of ice.

3. Add 2 fl oz tequila blanco, 1 fl oz apple cider, 3/4 fl oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 fl oz orange liqueur, and if you like it sweeter 1/4 fl oz simple syrup.

4. Put the lid on the shaker and shake hard for about 10 to 15 seconds until the outside gets cold and a little frosty.

5. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice, or if you prefer it straight up strain into the rimmed glass without ice.

6. For a pitcher: multiply ingredients by six and combine tequila (about 1 1/2 cups), apple cider (about 3/4 cup), lime juice (about 1/2 cup), orange liqueur (about 3 fl oz), and optional simple syrup (about 1 1/2 fl oz) in a large pitcher with lots of ice, stir to chill.

7. Taste the pitcher and adjust sweetness or lime if needed; cider varies so you might want a touch more syrup or lime.

8. Garnish each drink with apple slices and a lime wedge, drop a thin apple slice into the pitcher for looks.

9. Serve immediately so the ice doesnt water it down too much, and remind folks to sip slowly since tequila sneaks up on you.

10. If making ahead, keep the cider and spirits mixed but add ice, rims and garnishes just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker or large jar with a tight lid
2. Jigger or liquid measuring spoons (fl oz)
3. Small plate for the cinnamon sugar rim
4. Fine mesh strainer for a clean pour
5. Highball or rocks glasses (and a pitcher if you’re scaling up)
6. Cutting board and a sharp knife for apples and limes
7. Citrus juicer or reamer
8. Ice scoop or tongs and plenty of ice
9. Long bar spoon or regular spoon for stirring

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute the tequila for something else?

A: Yep, you can use reposado or añejo tequila for a richer flavor, or swap in mezcal if you like a smoky vibe. If you need nonalcoholic, try a tequila alternative spirit or just use extra apple cider and a splash of sparkling water.

Q: How do I rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar without it falling off?

A: Wet the rim with a lime wedge, then dip it in a shallow plate of cinnamon sugar, pressing gently. Let the rims sit upright for a minute so the sugar sets before pouring in the drink.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?

A: Yes, mix the pitcher ingredients (hold back ice and garnishes) and chill up to 24 hours. Stir or shake with ice right before serving so it stays bright and cold.

Q: My cider is very sweet. How do I adjust the recipe?

A: Cut the simple syrup or skip it entirely, and add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 ounce lime juice per cocktail to balance the sweetness.

Q: Want it fizzy? How do I add bubbles without killing the flavor?

A: Top each glass with a splash of club soda or ginger beer after pouring. Start with about 1 ounce and taste, you can add more if you want.

Q: How many servings does the pitcher make and how do I scale it?

A: The pitcher amounts listed are for about 6 cocktails. To scale, multiply each per-cocktail measure by the number of drinks you want. Keep the ratio: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz cider, 3/4 oz lime, 1/2 oz orange liqueur, and optional 1/4 oz simple syrup.

Fast + Easy Apple Cider Margarita Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Tequila blanco: swap with reposado for a smoother, oakier flavor if you want more depth, or use mezcal for a smoky twist (use same amounts).
Apple cider: use pear cider or unfiltered apple juice in a pinch, or try cranberry-apple juice for a tart brighter note.
Orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec): triple sec is fine, or use Grand Marnier for a richer orange and cognac note, or just 1/2 oz fresh orange juice plus 1/4 oz simple syrup.
Simple syrup: substitute honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water), agave nectar (use slightly less, about 3/4 the amount), or skip it if your cider is sweet enough.

Pro Tips

1. Rim the glass right before serving, not early. If you do it too soon the sugar gets soggy and falls off, so rim, dry for like 30 seconds and then fill with ice or pour the drink. If you rim a lot of glasses for a party, do them in batches.

2. Chill everything. Put your glasses and shaker in the fridge for 10 minutes before you start. Cold metal makes a better froth when you shake and the drink stays less diluted, which matters with cider that already has water in it.

3. Taste, then tweak. Apple cider sweetness varies a ton, so start with the listed syrup amount and add just a little more if it needs it, or squeeze in a touch more lime if it tastes flat. Do this with small adjustments, not big dumps, because tequila hides behind flavors and you can overshoot.

4. Make the pitcher smart, not early. Mix the booze and cider ahead of time but keep the ice, rims and garnishes separate until 5 minutes before serving. That way the pitcher stays bright and not watered down, and the apple slices still look fresh when you set it out.

Fast + Easy Apple Cider Margarita Recipe

Recipe by Sammy Hunter

0.0 from 0 votes

I have a Fall Drinks With Apple Cider margarita that turns 'meh' into a party in under five minutes and I refuse to be subtle about how good it is.

Servings

servings

Calories

271

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cocktail shaker or large jar with a tight lid
2. Jigger or liquid measuring spoons (fl oz)
3. Small plate for the cinnamon sugar rim
4. Fine mesh strainer for a clean pour
5. Highball or rocks glasses (and a pitcher if you’re scaling up)
6. Cutting board and a sharp knife for apples and limes
7. Citrus juicer or reamer
8. Ice scoop or tongs and plenty of ice
9. Long bar spoon or regular spoon for stirring

Ingredients

Tequila blanco, 2 fl oz per cocktail (about 1 1/2 cups for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)
Apple cider, 1 fl oz per cocktail (about 3/4 cup for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)
Fresh lime juice, 3/4 fl oz per cocktail (about 1/2 cup for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)
Orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec), 1/2 fl oz per cocktail (about 3 fl oz for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)
Simple syrup, 1/4 fl oz per cocktail, optional if you like it sweeter (about 1 1/2 fl oz for a 6‑cocktail pitcher)
Cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses, enough to coat rims (about 1 tablespoon for single drinks, ~1/2 cup for a pitcher)
Ice, plenty for shaking and serving
Apple slices and lime wedges for garnish

Directions

Pour cinnamon sugar onto a small plate, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the glass into the sugar so it sticks; set glasses aside to dry a minute.
Fill a cocktail shaker or large jar with plenty of ice.
Add 2 fl oz tequila blanco, 1 fl oz apple cider, 3/4 fl oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 fl oz orange liqueur, and if you like it sweeter 1/4 fl oz simple syrup.
Put the lid on the shaker and shake hard for about 10 to 15 seconds until the outside gets cold and a little frosty.
Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice, or if you prefer it straight up strain into the rimmed glass without ice.
For a pitcher: multiply ingredients by six and combine tequila (about 1 1/2 cups), apple cider (about 3/4 cup), lime juice (about 1/2 cup), orange liqueur (about 3 fl oz), and optional simple syrup (about 1 1/2 fl oz) in a large pitcher with lots of ice, stir to chill.
Taste the pitcher and adjust sweetness or lime if needed; cider varies so you might want a touch more syrup or lime.
Garnish each drink with apple slices and a lime wedge, drop a thin apple slice into the pitcher for looks.
Serve immediately so the ice doesnt water it down too much, and remind folks to sip slowly since tequila sneaks up on you.
If making ahead, keep the cider and spirits mixed but add ice, rims and garnishes just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.