Nothing screams fall more than apples and apple cider. This Apple Cider Margarita uses seasoning from the cinnamon sugar rim paired with sweet apple cider for an irresistible combination. Perfect for all your fall gatherings, and parties. Cheers to the first day of fall!
Today is the first day of fall! And even though it’s currently 84 degrees here in Miami, other parts of the country are feeling the ‘cool’ weather. Enter this festive fall drink, an Apple Cider Margarita, a spin on the classic with fall flavors. If you’re still craving summer flavors, I have my Tajín Watermelon Margarita and Strawberry Basil Margarita that’ll take you back. However, since it’s fall I wanted to incorporate an in-season fruit like apples. It’s quintessential fall flavors.
As a dietitian I’m often recommending not to have sugary beverages. So yes this entry might seem a bit contradictory. There’s no debating, sugary beverages have been shown to increase your risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. If there was one recommendation I make to people, it IS to remove the sugary beverages. However, if you know me well enough you’ll know what I’m about to say. Inclusion vs exclusion is an important concept to embrace. Saying you’ll never have a sugary beverage is not realistic. At the same time, if sugary beverages are your norm, then maybe we need to take a deeper look at the frequency and quantity consumed. This drink is festive, fun, and celebratory, just what food should be.
Ingredients: Apple Cider Margarita
- Apple Cider – You want to use apple cider here, not plain apple juice. This will take your margarita from good to great. Apple cider is 100% fresh squeezed apple. Nothing is added and nothing is taken away. Unfiltered, so it does have the pulp and sediment.
- Lime Juice – Traditional margaritas are tequila, triple sec (or Cointreau) and lime juice. Lemon juice could also be used (and what I had on hand). Microwave for 20 seconds to help draw the juice out.
- Tequila – High quality tequila is what you’re looking for here. While I’m not a big tequila drinker, the key really here is using a high quality one to provide the best flavor. Promise, with the mix of the other flavors here this creates a perfect blend. Not traditional, but a great spin on the original.
- Simple Syrup – this is optional for this margarita. The apple cider is naturally sweet and as you’ll see not added in to my ‘recipe’.
- Cointreau – is a type of triple sec, again mixed in to a traditional margarita. Cointreau is an orange liquor that helps balance out the tequila (even if it is high quality, it makes it smoother). If you don’t have Cointreau, you could use Grand Marnier in a pinch, but know that is a tad stronger in flavor. Add just a tad less if using Grand Marnier.
How To Make An Apple Cider Margarita
- Cut a lime wedge. Run the lime wedge around the outer lip of your glass. Slowly dip the rim of your glass into a wide bowl or plate filled cinnamon sugar (equal parts cinnamon and equal parts sugar). Shake off any excess.
- Add lime juice, Cointreau, tequila, and apple cider to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until combined, about 15 seconds.
- Strain shaker into your glass. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices, if using.
- Batch margarita: place all your ingredients into a pitcher and stir until mixed. Hold off adding ice until ready to serve. Prepare the glasses separately, then add about 2/3 cup to each glass and garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.
Both are made from apples, however, apple cider is unfiltered, and often unpasteurized. It’s also considered a seasonal drink and can be hard to find outside of the autumn months. Whereas apple juice is filtered and pasteurized giving it a longer shelf life, a sweeter taste, and a smoother texture. The apple cider in this recipe is non-alcoholic (so not hard apple cider).
Great question! Not one for tequila, I like to ‘mask’ the flavor any way I can. Again, this is not a traditional margarita, but it is a fun and festive fall drink!
First things first, the cinnamon sugar. You don’t have to measure, however, I have this on hand at all times: 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup cinnamon. A 1:4 ratio. Use a lime wedge to run/wet the rim of your glass. Place the outer edge of the glass in the cinnamon sugar and rotate. Make sure you’re getting the outer edge of the glass not the inside. Voila! You’ve got your glass beautified and drink ready to be enjoyed!
Other Fall Recipes
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Apple Cider Margarita
Nothing screams fall more than apples and apple cider. This Apple Cider Margarita uses seasoning from the cinnamon sugar rim paired with sweet apple cider for an irresistible combination. Perfect for all your fall gatherings, and parties. Cheers to the first day of fall!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila
- 4 ounces apple cider
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- Cinnamon and sugar, for rim
- Ice, for serving
- Star anise and cinnamon stick for garnish, *optional
Instructions
- Cut a lime wedge. Run the lime wedge around the outer lip of your glass. Slowly dip the rim of your glass into a wide bowl or plate filled cinnamon sugar (equal parts cinnamon and equal parts sugar). Shake off any excess.
- Single drink: Add lime juice, Cointreau, tequila, and apple cider to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until combined, about 15 seconds. Strain the margarita into the glass with the cinnamon sugar rim. Add ice and serve.
- Batch drinks (8 servings): Place 1 1/2 cups tequila, 4 cups apple cider, 1 cup Cointreau, and 1/2 cup lime juice in a pitcher. Stir until mixed. Only add ice when ready to serve. Prepare your glasses separately with the cinnamon sugar rim, and then add ~2/3 cup to each glass. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and apple slices.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Drinks
1 thought on “Apple Cider Margarita”
Love that you included how to make this drink for a group/large gathering! So festive and fun!