This Apple Cider Margarita is one of my favorite cozy fall drinks.
It’s refreshing like a margarita but with a warm, spiced twist from the apple cider and cinnamon sugar rim.
It’s perfect for chill nights, dinner parties, or just sipping on the porch while the leaves fall.
The flavors are sweet, tart, and spiced—all at once.
Why I Love This Recipe
This drink brings me straight back to crisp fall evenings with friends. We’d pull out some blankets, light a fire pit, and this was always the drink in our hands.
- Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy
- Quick to mix up—5 minutes flat
- Feels like fall in a glass
- Easy to batch for parties
- Looks super impressive but is SO easy
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 3 oz apple cider (cold)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice
- 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for rim)
- 1 lime wedge (for rim garnish)
- Optional: cinnamon stick or apple slice for garnish
Pro Tips
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the drink colder longer
- Use fresh lime juice—bottled doesn’t hit the same
- Make your cinnamon sugar mix 2:1 sugar to cinnamon for best flavor
- Shake with lots of ice for a nice, frothy top
- Strain over fresh ice so it doesn’t get diluted
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or shot glass
- Small plate (for rim)
- Citrus juicer
- Rocks glass
- Spoon or stirrer
Substitutions and Variations
- Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky twist
- Try spiced apple cider for extra fall flavor
- Sub orange liqueur for triple sec if that’s what you’ve got
- Skip the rim if you want it less sweet
Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix a big batch (just leave out the ice and garnish) and store it in a pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake individual servings with ice before pouring.
How to Make Apple Cider Margarita
Step 1: Rim the glass
Rub the lime wedge around the rim of the glass. Dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
Step 2: Add tequila, triple sec, apple cider, and lime juice to shaker
In a cocktail shaker, pour in 2 oz silver tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 3 oz cold apple cider, and 1 oz fresh lime juice.
Step 3: Add ice and shake
Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker, close the lid, and shake hard for 20 seconds until well chilled.
Step 4: Strain into glass
Fill the rimmed glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken margarita into the glass.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Garnish with a lime wedge, cinnamon stick, or apple slice if desired. Serve immediately.
Leftovers & Storage
Margaritas don’t store well once mixed with ice, but you can keep the base mix (no ice, no garnish) in a sealed jar in the fridge for 1–2 days. Shake again with ice before serving.
Makes
1 serving (easily multiplied)
Total time: 5 minutes
Macros (per serving, approx)
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 22g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The tartness of lime juice balances the sweetness of the apple cider. Tequila adds a crisp base, and triple sec brings out bright citrus notes. Shaking with ice dilutes just enough to smooth out the alcohol and create a refreshing sip.
Common Mistakes
- Using warm cider—it makes the drink taste off
- Not shaking long enough—leaves it too strong and unbalanced
- Using bottled lime juice—way too bitter
- Skipping the ice in the glass—dilution matters
What to Serve With
- Chips and guac
- Sharp cheddar cheese board
- Pork tacos
- Warm soft pretzels with mustard
- Apple pie (yes, really)
FAQ
Can I make this a frozen margarita?
Yes! Blend all the ingredients with ice until slushy.
Can I use bottled apple cider?
Absolutely, just make sure it’s cold and not spiced unless that’s what you want.
What kind of tequila should I use?
A smooth silver or blanco tequila works best here.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Totally—just multiply the ingredients and shake individual servings with ice.
Is it very sweet?
Not overly—apple cider adds natural sweetness, but the lime juice and tequila balance it out nicely.
Hope You Love It
This Apple Cider Margarita is cozy, festive, and just plain fun. If you try it, leave a comment and tell me what you think—or how you customized it. I’d love to hear how it turned out!
