The Best Apple Cider Margarita Recipe

Spiced cider adds a warm, holiday flavoring to a classic citrusy margarita!

Ty and I are so excited to share the perfect drink to serve along with your Thanksgiving dinner—an Apple Cider Margarita! This cocktail strikes the perfect balance between a classic margarita and cozy fall flavors. It’s made with just four simple ingredients: reposado tequila, Grand Marnier orange liqueur, spiced apple cider, and lemon juice—so simple & easy! Don’t be surprised if you fall in love at first sip.

A little background on margaritas!

Margaritas are loved by many around the world and contain such a rich history. Believed to have originated in Mexico during the 1930s, the classic margarita typically consists of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Over the years, this iconic cocktail has inspired a wide range of variations, one being this apple cider margarita you’re reading about today!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 oz. reposado tequila (We love using Casamigos)
• 1 oz. Grand Marnier orange liqueur
• 1/2 oz. spiced apple cider 
• 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
• Ice 
• Optional garnishes: sliced honeycrisp apples & cinnamon sticks!

How to make this apple cider margarita

1. Place all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until well chilled (if you prefer a larger batch, pour the ingredients into a large pitcher and stir well to combine).
2. Pour the mixture over ice in your favorite cocktail glasses and garnish each drink with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick!

Watch the step-by-step recipe video below and follow along!

What type of apple cider should I use?

I personally love using a spiced apple cider because it brings those cozy fall spices like cinnamon and cloves right into the mix. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to use unspiced or even homemade fresh apple cider for this recipe!

Savvy tips for the perfect apple cider margarita!

• Use fresh lemon juice! Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference compared to store-bought juice. It adds that bright, fresh flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cider.
• Go for reposado tequila. This type of tequila has been aged, which gives it a slightly smoky, oaky flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiced apple cider. You could also use a blanco tequila if you prefer a lighter, more straightforward tequila flavor.
• Customize the sweetness. If you like your margarita on the sweeter side, you can add a bit of agave nectar or maple syrup to taste. The maple syrup gives it a deeper, rich sweetness that complements the flavors in this drink beautifully.
• Add a cinnamon sugar rim. This is one of my favorite tricks for dressing up a fall cocktail! The sweet, spiced rim makes every sip even more delicious.

Variations:

• Frozen Apple Cider Margarita: If you’re somewhere that hasn’t cooled down just yet, but you still want those fall vibes, blend all the ingredients with ice to create a frozen version of this drink. It’s a lot of fun for outdoor gatherings!
• Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita: Want to give your drink a smokey edge? Light a cinnamon stick on fire for a few seconds and place it in the glass right before serving. The smoking cinnamon stick adds a layer of warm, rich flavor that feels super cozy.

Serving Suggestions:

This margarita is the perfect drink to serve alongside a holiday meal, especially if you’re preparing a Thanksgiving dinner or any holiday feast. I love pairing it with appetizers like my boursin bacon cheese ball, savory fall dips, or even some candied pecans. For a cozy gathering, serve it with delicious food like stuffed mushrooms or caramelized brussels sprouts. It’s also the perfect cocktail to sip with dessert, especially anything with apple or cinnamon flavors.

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