Apple Cider Margarita

Apple cider margarita is made with rich, flavorful, spiced apple cider, cointreau, and mezcal or tequila.

It is served with a tasty salt, sugar, and cinnamon spiced rim.

This recipe is made in a pitcher with several servings for entertaining and parties.

This is the perfect fall cocktail. Cheers!

Watch how to make

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make apple cider margaritas.

• apple cider
• Cointreau- Cointreau is the best choice for margaritas. It has a rich, sweet, orange flavor. However it can be on the expensive side. You can substitute with Grand Marnier or Triple Sec for a less expensive option.
• mezcal- This apple cider cocktail is good with silver or white tequila, however, I really like the contrast of the smokiness from a mezcal. It balances the sweetness of the apple cider and the earthy charred flavors of mezcal are perfect for fall. You can choose which direction of flavor you want. I do not suggest gold tequila.
• cloves
• ground nutmeg
• all spice
• cinnamon sticks
• lemon-The lemon is used to wet the rim of the glass for the spices of the rim to stick. You can substitute with an orange also.
• margarita salt- If you do not have margarita salt, you can substitute with a coarse salt.
• sugar
• ground cinnamon

*Full recipe with measurements are in a recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Notes:

The cloves, ground nutmeg, all spice, and cinnamon sticks are used to add the rich fall flavors to the apple cider. If there is a spice you do not like, just omit it.

The apple cider margarita is relatively sweet. The margarita salt on the rim balances the drink similar to the traditional margaritas. The cinnamon and sugar continues the fall flavors that pair nicely with the cider.

Steps

Follow these steps to make the best apple cider margarita.

1. In a large stock pot add apple cider, cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg, cloves, and all spice.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and rest until completely cooled.
3. Strain out all loose spices. Pour apple cider mixture to a pitcher.
4. Add in mezcal or tequila depending on your desired flavor.
5. Add Cointreau. Give the apple cider margarita a good stir.
6. Create the rim spice by mixing together sugar, margarita salt, and cinnamon on a small plate.
7. Cut a slice of lemon and run it around the rim of the serving glass. Dip the glass into the the rim seasoning. Fill the glass completely full with ice.
8. Fill the glass with apple cider margarita. You can garnish with a cinnamon stick and slice of apple.

Why Mezcal?

Most apple cider margaritas are made with regular tequila, but I really like the contrast of the smokiness from a Mezcal over silver or white tequila. I do not suggest gold tequila at all.

The rich, charred flavors balances the sweetness of the apple cider. It is also a perfect flavor for fall.

However, there are some really gross, overpowering flavored mezcals. For this reason, ONLY USE WHITE mezcals. The yellow mezcal is harsh and ill tasting.

Mezcal suggestions

These are a few of my favorites that I have found here in NC to point you in the right direction for choosing a good mezcal.

• Cazul- This Mezcal has a fair price. It is very smooth and is right in the middle on the scale for smokiness. I recommend this one if you are new to mezcals.
• Mezcal Sacrificio- This is a very smooth, medium smoky flavored mezcal. It is sweeter and softer in flavors than some of its competitors. It is reasonably priced for the quality.
• Creyente- This is my personal favorite mezcal for mixing. It has a smooth, rich, smokey flavor that is just enough to not become overpowering. It is reasonably priced. However, I can no longer find it here locally.
• Casamigos- This is a higher end mezcal that is on the pricey side. I love it. I can sip on it over ice. However, it is VERY smokey. If you don't like a strong, intense smoke flavor, you will be wasting your money on this one.
• Ilegal- This is on the cheaper scale of Mezcals, but it still has a nice smoky flavor. It isn't quite as smooth as the others, but because it is mixed in the cocktail, you won't notice. I like this if I am using it in a cocktail, but not as much for sipping.

I also have found all of these in Total Spirits if you have a store near you.

I collect tequila and Mezcals, so if you find some that you recommend, shoot me an email and give me your recommendation. Your recommendations will be appreciated.

About the recipe

I am so lucky to live next door to enjoy her friendship and kitchen creations.

She is famous for her incredible margaritas. This is apple cider margarita is my favorite cocktail she makes.

She is also a wonderful mother to 4 lovely children. I have featured one of her beautiful daughters, Alice in several of my recipes such as Pretzel Turtles, Crockpot Candy, and Pecan Pralines.

Her husband Justin is also a fantastic mixologist and an amazing griller/smoker with meats. In the future I hope to feature one of his famous recipes he likes to cook on his Traeger Grill.

Did you like this cocktail? Please leave me a comment below if you make this and tell me what you thought about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.

Also post your picture of your drink on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!