This Spiced Apple Cider Margarita has a touch of apple, cinnamon, and orange with a generous pour of tequila to really get the party started. Serve these up with a sparkle-dusted, sugar-coated rim all throughout the holiday season!
Why you’ll love this apple cider margarita recipe
Fall-inspired take on the classic! I like to think of this spiced apple margarita as an updated, autumn-inspired version of the classic margarita. We have all the usual players – tequila, lime juice, Cointreau – with the extra addition of apple cider and a special homemade Honeycrisp simple syrup to bring it all together.
Sweet and tangy! The balance of sweet apple cider and simple syrup paired with tangy tequila and lime gives the perfect balance of flavors. But my favorite part is the sugar-coated rim that adds an extra touch of elegance and textural appeal I know you’re going to love.
Celebrate the apple season! It wouldn’t be fall without a bounty of apples. And since apple picking is one of my favorite fall festivities, I feel this cocktail is a nice node to all those apple trees and paper-bag totes of apples scattered throughout the grocery store.
Ingredients for apple margaritas
The ingredient list is split into two parts – the Honeycrisp simple syrup and the apple margarita. Here’s what we need:
Honeycrisp simple syrup
- Honeycrisp apple
- Brown sugar
- Water
- Ground cinnamon
- Cinnamon stick
Apple margarita
- Tequila
- Cointreau
- Apple cider
- Lime juice
- Honeycrisp simple syrup
How to make apple cinnamon margarita
- Make the simple syrup: In a small pot, add in all simple syrup ingredients and cook on low for 30-60 minutes. Strain syrup and cool before using. Keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
- Shake, shake, shake: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, apple cider or juice, lime juice and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Sugarcoat it: Mix cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Wet the edge of a low ball glass with a lime wedge and dip the glass into the plate of sugar. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Top with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
How to make a cinnamon sugar rim
To be honest, the cinnamon sugar rim is my favorite part! It adds that extra bit of finesse while adding another level of sweetness and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix up some brown sugar and ground cinnamon. You don’t need much – just enough to make an even layer on a small plate.
- Wet the top of the glass with a lime wedge. Simply run the lime wedge right around the edge.
- Place the edge of the glass in the cinnamon sugar mix. Tilt and rotate until all sides are evenly coated.
What’s the best apple cider to buy?
There are a few versions of apple cider you may come across in the grocery store or Farmer’s Markets. Here are my tips for getting the best bang for your buck:
- Go for unfiltered. Unfiltered apple cider still has pulp and sediment, which provides that added dose of flavor. Filtered is more like apple juice, which is a totally acceptable substitute if that is your preference.
- Look for pasteurized. Pasteurized apple cider is made for shelf-stable purposes. If left unpasteurized, it will turn into hard cider or apple cider vinegar over time, and runs the risk of bacteria. If unpasteurized is all you can find, enjoy it within 2 weeks of opening.
Serving suggestions
I love to serve these up with a Halloween charcuterie board, jalapeno popper cheese ball, white bean dip, or jalapeno cranberry dip, depending on the occasion. It makes the perfect drink to enjoy as part of a cocktail party with friends or right alongside the appetizer course before the big meal.
Looking to serve a crowd? Scale the recipe up based on however many drinks you need and mix it in a large pitcher. Chill in the fridge until party time.
Looking for more apple cider cocktail recipes? Check these out!
If you make this Apple Cider Margarita recipe, 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!
Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
ingredients
For honey crisp simple syrup:
- 1 Honeycrisp apple diced, peeled & cored (add in peel and core to simple syrup)
- 1 cup brown sugar plus more for rim
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp cinnamon plus more for rim
- 1 cinnamon stick
For margaritas:
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 ounce apple cider or apple juice
- ½ ounce lime juice
- ½ – 1 ounce honeycrisp simple syrup
instructions
- Make the simple syrup: In a small pot, add in all simple syrup ingredients and cook on low for 30-60 minutes. Strain syrup and cool before using. Keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
- Shake, shake, shake: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, apple cider or juice, lime juice and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Sugarcoat it: Mix cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Wet the edge of a low ball glass with a lime wedge and dip the glass into the plate of sugar. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Top with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
notes
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