Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Margarita: Easy Fall Cocktail
A warm-spiced apple cider margarita that comes together in under 10 minutes, perfect for fall gatherings. This cozy cocktail blends tequila, fresh citrus, and a gently spiced apple cider base for a soul-soothing sip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered, if possible)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 4 ounces silver tequila (blanco or reposado)
- 2 ounces fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- Ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Apple slices (for garnish, preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Spice the apple cider: Pour 2 cups apple cider into a small saucepan. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 whole cloves, and 1 star anise (if using). Warm over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes. Turn off heat, stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and let steep for 2 minutes.
- Prepare glasses: Mix 1 tablespoon coarse salt with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Strain the spiced cider: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a liquid measuring cup or bowl. Pour the warm spiced cider through the strainer to remove whole spices. Discard solids. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Shake the cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add 4 ounces tequila, 2 ounces fresh orange juice, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, and the strained spiced apple cider. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Pour and garnish: Fill rimmed glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses, dividing evenly. Garnish each with a thin apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a rosemary sprig (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
For a warm version, skip the ice in the shaker and stir the tequila, citrus juices, and warm spiced cider together in a heatproof glass. The spiced apple cider base can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For a non-alcoholic version, omit tequila and add 2 ounces ginger beer or sparkling water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 250
- Carbohydrates: 22
Keywords: apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, spiced margarita, easy cocktail, Thanksgiving drink, Friendsgiving cocktail