The apple cider margarita is the ultimate fall cocktail! It’s crisp, refreshing, and full of cozy autumn flavor. This seasonal twist on the classic margarita mixes tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice with sweet apple flavor for the perfect balance of tangy and smooth.
Finished with a hint of maple syrup and cinnamon, every sip feels like fall in a glass. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, enjoying a weekend brunch, or just want a cozy drink to sip by the fire, this fall margarita is guaranteed to impress.
If you like apple cocktail recipes, you may also want to try my apple cider martini of this spiced apple cider vodka cocktail.
Ingredient Notes
This delicious cocktail is made with a handful of simple ingredients. You will recognize tequila, triple sec, and lime juice as classic margarita ingredients.
- Tequila - The type of tequila you choose for this cocktail will influence the flavor of the finished drink. Reposado tequila, which is aged in oak barrels provides notes of vanilla and caramel which lend themselves to thoughts of Fall. However, I've also make this with tequila blanco (silver tequila) and it was refreshing and delicious.
- Triple Sec - Triple sec is a type of orange liqueur that's almost always used in margaritas. If you don't have it on hand, Cointreau would be my recommended substitute.
- Fresh Apple Cider - You'll want pasteurized apple cider. It doesn't really matter whether it's filtered or unfiltered, but you will want to pour the cocktail through a fine-mesh sieve if you buy the unfiltered type. I prefer to buy a bottle of apple cider from the local apple orchard, but if it's the off season, Martinelli's apple juice is my store-bought go to.
- Maple Syrup - I feel like the addition of a little maple syrup for sweetener enhances the fall flavors of this cocktail. But you're welcome to use simple syrup if you prefer.
See recipe card for ingredient list with quantities
How to Make an Apple Cider Margarita
Like a classic margarita, you will need a cocktail shaker for this recipe. I also recommend a strainer to remove any small bits leftover from the cider.
- STEP 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- STEP 2: Add the tequila, triple sec, apple cider, lime juice, maple syrup and cinnamon to the cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled.
- STEP 3: Strain the cocktail into a margarita glass filled with ice. Garnish and serve.
Garnish Suggestions
- Fresh apple slices
- Lime wedge or wheel
- Cinnamon sticks
- A cinnamon sugar rim
More apple cider cocktails to try:
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Recipe
Apple Cider Margarita
Equipment
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Apple Cider
- 2 ounces Tequila
- 1 ounce Triple Sec
- 1 ounce Maple Syrup
- 1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice from 1 lime
- pinch Cinnamon
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.Ice Cubes
- Add the apple cider, tequila, triple sec, maple syrup, lime juice, and cinnamon to the cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled.3 ounces Apple Cider, 2 ounces Tequila, 1 ounce Triple Sec, 1 ounce Maple Syrup, 1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice, pinch Cinnamon
- Strain the cocktail into a serving glass filled with ice. Garnish and serve.
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