This Big Batch Apple Cider Margarita recipe goes down oh-so-easy! Start with classic margarita staples, and then mix in apple cider, maple syrup, and autumnal garnishes to create the drink of the season. Whip up a hefty batch ahead of time and serve this margarita at Halloween, Thanksgiving, or a crisp November night with friends.

a large pitcher of an apple cider margarita in the background with two garnished glasses in front beside fresh apples

Why You’ll Love This Big Batch Apple Cider Margarita Recipe

You’re simply going to fall in love with this margarita. I’ve been making big batches of my favorite cocktails recently and I know you loved our big batch bourbon apple cider smash, so I had to lean into the energy of fall and make a supersized version of our ever-popular apple cider margarita!

This cocktail has all the best elements of a classic margarita, plus everyone’s favorite fall flavors. We’ve got apple cider, apple garnish, maple syrup, and cinnamon in here! And keep in mind, this is a large batch so you can make it all before your guests arrive. Just set out the pitcher, glasses, and garnish for everyone to serve themselves.

This marg is so good that it will go fast!

More Big Batch Recipes

Key Ingredients

apple cider, casamigos tequila, apples, dried orange slices, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, and cointreau

You’ll need the classic marg ingredient staples, plus some apple cider to give this margarita a delicious autumnal twist! I’ve also suggested a few garnishes that’ll make your drink pop! Check out the recipe card below for the Big Batch measurements.

Tequila
Cointreau or triple sec
Lime juice
Apple cider
Water
Maple syrup
Garnish: apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprig

How to Make Apple Cider Margaritas

pouring apple cider, tequila, and cointreau into the pitcher

Step 1: Shake Ingredients

In a pitcher or a clear glass bottle with a swing top, add in (with a funnel) the tequila, lime juice, apple cider, water, and maple syrup. Close the lid and shake the bottle – with the lid tightly secured – until all ingredients are distributed.

chopping limes and straining the juice into the pitcher of margaritas

Step 2: Chill and Serve

Chill the carafe in the freezer for an hour, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. Pour out roughly 4-5 oz into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an apple slice, rosemary sprig, and cinnamon stick.

adding maple syrup and then pouring the margaritas into individual glasses over ice

Suggestions + Variations

Rim the glass with maple syrup and cinnamon sugar (or sugar mixed with a little pumpkin spice) for a classic margarita rim!
For a more classic margarita taste, you can pour 5 oz into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds until the shaker tin is very cold on the outside. This will create more of a classic icy, margarita texture rather than the pour from the bottle but either one works!
Burn one end of a cinnamon stick so it’s smoking. Hold your glass upside down and wave some smoke inside before pouring your marg. Garnish with the very same smoking stick, smoking side up of course. It adds a luxe and warming autumnal vibe to the cocktail.
Want your marg a little less sweet? Omit the maple syrup and let the apple cider’s sweetness do all the talking.
If you don’t care much about the “classic” marg flavors, swap your lime juice for a dash of fresh orange juice for some added fall citrus flavors.

a large pitcher of cider margaritas with cinnamon sticks, lime slices, and dried oranges garnishing the top

FAQs

What’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider? Are they interchangeable?

Apple cider is a more concentrated apple beverage because it’s unfiltered and unpasteurized, while apple juice is pasteurized and typically a lot sweeter. They can be interchangeable, depending on what you’re making with them, but I wouldn’t say they’re interchangeable in this recipe.

What’s the difference between Cointreau and triple sec?

Cointreau is a type of triple sec, which is why they’re interchangeable in this recipe. You can use whatever kind of triple sec you want, but I like Cointreau for this because it has warmer citrus flavors that lend themselves to this autumnal cocktail.

More Margarita Recipes To Try

If you make this Big Batch Apple Cider Margarita, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!

I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!