Do you know what’s perfect for a cold Sunday night? For me, it’s staying at home, curling up on the couch for a cozy movie night with a glass of Apple Cider Margarita.
Contents
Classic Apple Cider Margarita Recipe
Apple Cider Margarita is a seasonal twist on the classic margarita. It combines the refreshing elements of tequila and lime with the rich, sweet flavors of apple cider. This gives it a distinctive fall-inspired flavor profile. This cocktail is typically enjoyed during the autumn and holiday seasons.
You can pair this margarita with many dishes. For appetizers, try bruschetta with tomato and basil or stuffed mushrooms for an earthy touch. Deviled eggs and butternut squash soup also complement the drink’s warm, spiced flavors.
Desserts like apple pie or apple crisp highlight the cocktail’s apple notes, while cinnamon sugar donuts enhance its spice. A creamy cheesecake, whether plain or spiced, balances the margarita’s citrusy sweetness perfectly.
For savory pairings, grilled chicken or pork adds smoky depth, while spicy tacos (chicken or fish) contrast the sweetness. A cheese platter with sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or blue cheese creates a delicious balance with the drink’s flavors.
Here is how to make the Apple Cider Margarita:
Simple Apple Cider Margarita
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 4 oz tequila
- 2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Apple slices and cinnamon sugar for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine apple cider, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Shake well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar by dipping the edges in water and then in the sugar.
- Fill each glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the margarita mixture over the ice in each glass.
- Garnish with apple slices for a fresh and crisp touch.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Besides the basic and classic recipe above, you can add different ingredients to make different variations of this drink. Here are some ideas for you:
- Apple Cider Cinnamon Margarita features the aromatic touch of cinnamon. This variation is a cozy and flavorful twist on the traditional cocktail, perfect for sipping by the fireside.
- Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the apple cider
- A cinnamon sugar rim for extra warmth and spice.
- Spicy Variation adds a fiery dimension that elevates the drink to new heights. My preferred spicy adaptation includes ginger liqueur float, fresh jalapeño, or chipotle-cinnamon rim.
- Hard Cider Adaptation replaces the 1 cup of apple cider with 1 cup of hard cider to give it a bubbly, alcoholic twist.
- Sparkling Version substitutes half of the apple cider with sparkling water or club soda for a light, fizzy touch.
- Smoky Apple Cider Margarita is infused with a hint of smokiness created by smoky-flavored spirits, such as mezcal or a smoky tequila. This margarita variation brings a bold and sophisticated character to the table. You can swap the tequila with smoky mezcal for a deeper, earthier flavor.
- Caramel Flavor introduces rich and buttery caramel notes into the mix.
- Add 1 tbsp of caramel syrup to the apple cider for a sweet, indulgent take
- Rim the glass with caramel and cinnamon sugar.
- Apple Cider Cranberry Margarita combines the tartness of cranberries with the mellow sweetness of apple cider. This vibrant and colorful variation is a perfect addition to holiday gatherings.
- Apple Cider Mezcal Margarita gets the smoky flavor but only from the mezcal as the base spirit.
- Replace the tequila with mezcal
- Use a Tajin or smoked salt rim to amplify the smoky, complex flavor.
- Smoky Harvest Version is sweeter and more autumnal than other smoky versions with the addition of maple syrup and orange liqueur. You can use both mezcal and tequila in equal parts (2 oz each) for a rich, layered smoky and harvest-inspired flavor.