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The Best Apple Cider Margarita

5 from 1 vote
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posted: 09/21/18

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

These Apple Cider Margaritas are super simple but perfectly delicious for fall! They are the perfect cocktail to make for a fall party. I’m obsessed with all things margarita and I love this hard cider and tequila apple margarita.

the best apple cider margarita

If you are hosting a fall get together, these Apple Cider Margaritas are the perfect cocktail. While I absolutely love my classic margarita recipe, we are going to deviate it from a little bit here to make this simple drink. We are skipping on sour mix and instead we are going for a little simple syrup and lime juice mixed with some hard apple cider, and tequila. You will love this winning combination.

two glasses of the best apple margarita recipe on a wood tray with apples and cinnamon sticks

Apple Cider Margarita Ingredients

I love this fall margarita recipe because it comes together with just a few simple ingredients.

  • Hard Apple Cider: You can find this in the grocery store near the beer. Because of the sweet and sour combo of the cider, we are going to skip the triple sec or orange liqueur that is often found in margaritas.
  • Tequila: See my tequila recommendation below.
  • Simple Syrup: This adds a touch of sweetness to the drink and it is so easy for you to make your own. You can also use honey or agave in a pinch.
  • Lime Juice: You need the juice of one lime or about one tablespoon of bottled lime juice. While I always advocate for fresh citrus in my cocktails, if you only have bottled, it will work.

Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup is essential for any home bar. With just two ingredients, it is so easy to make and with my instructions, you can make it in so many different flavors!
Photo of a spoon over a jar of Simple Syrup recipe. Lime wedges, cocktail jigger, and bottles of cointreau, gin, and bitters beside jar.

Best Tequila For Margaritas

  • Use 100% agave tequila. The key when picking a tequila for margaritas is to look for one that is 100% agave. Agave is what tequila is made from, so this ensures that your tequila is actually all tequila and not supplemented with lower-quality alcohol or extra sugars and additives.
  • Grab a tequila you love. Since we are mixing the tequila with other flavors and ingredients rather than drinking it straight, you don’t need to purchase a top-shelf bottle. That being said, I would still recommend a tequila that you enjoy. Milagro is a great mid-range tequila, with Epsolón or El Jimador being perfect choices for a lower-range.
  • Use gold tequila. Gold tequila has that hue because it has been aged longer. This will give your margarita a richer flavor than blanco tequila.
an apple cider margarita in a glass with ice and garnished with an apple

How to Make Apple Cider Margaritas

These apple cider margaritas come together quickly for a refreshing and flavorful fall drink. For the full recipe including all measurements, please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Combine ingredients. Mix together your tequila, hard apple cider, lime juice, and agave in a glass or cocktail shaker.
  • Pour over ice. Strain your mixture into a prepared glass with lots of ice.
  • Garnish and enjoy. Add an apple slice or two and a cinnamon stick and enjoy.

How to Serve

Serve your fall margaritas with lots of ice in glasses rimmed with ground cinnamon and sugar. See below for how to do this. Add a few apple slices and cinnamon sticks for extra flavor and presentation. This recipe makes two margaritas. To make a pitcher that serves more, see the measurements below.

overhead view of two glasses of hard cider and tequila recipe in glasses with apples and cinnamon sticks
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How to Rim Your Glass

My favorite way to serve and enjoy this fall margarita recipe is with a cinnamon sugar rim. To do this, run a slice of lime around the rim of the glass to wet it. Then roll the rim of the glass in a shallow plate of cinnamon and sugar. No need to measure, but use about an equal ratio of each.

Prepare your glasses before making the margaritas so they are ready once the cocktail is mixed. Enjoy some sweetness with each sip!

Make a Pitcher!

To make a pitcher of these apple cider margaritas, increase all of the ingredients and mix with ice in a pitcher. This will make eight drinks.

  • 4 bottles of hard cider (48 ounces or 6 cups total)
  • 1 cup of tequila
  • 1/4 cup of simple syrup
  • 1/4 cup of lime juice (about 4 limes)
two glasses of the best apple margarita recipe on a wood tray with apples and cinnamon sticks

Other Great Fall Cocktails

This is such a great fall-themed margarita, but I love having a bunch of different excellent fall cocktail recipes in my back pocket!

  • This Caramel Apple Sangria is a fan favorite! It is super popular because it only has a few ingredients and is so easy to make.
  • This Apple Pie Sangria is another great apple sangria recipe. And it’s made with cinnamon-infused whiskey which makes it my new favorite cocktail!
  • I love this Apple Brandy Slush! This would make a great tailgating recipe, especially on warmer fall days because it’s a frozen recipe.

If you try this apple cider margarita recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a comment and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!

the best apple cider margarita
5 from 1 vote

Apple Cider Margaritas

Serves: 2 margaritas
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
These Apple Cider Margaritas are super simple and perfectly delicious for fall!  They are the perfect cocktail to make for a fall party.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces hard apple cider
  • 2 ounces gold tequila
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice about the juice of one lime
  • apple slices to garnish (optional)
  • cinnamon sticks to garnish (optional)

To Rim Glasses

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup

Instructions

  • Combine ground cinnamon and sugar together on a plate. On a separate plate, add the corn syrup. Dip the glasses in the corn syrup and then the cinnamon sugar mixture.
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon corn syrup, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Mix all the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, until the sides of the cocktail shaker start to feel cold.
    12 ounces hard apple cider, 2 ounces gold tequila, 1 tablespoon simple syrup, 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Add ice to the prepared glasses and strain the margaritas into them. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
    apple slices, cinnamon sticks
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
the best apple cider margarita

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Apple Cider Margaritas

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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