The Apple Cider Margarita is a fresh and flavorful margarita made with tequila, spiced apple cider, lime juice, and maple syrup for an exciting fall riff on the classic margarita!

You can also use your apple cider to make my Harvest Apple (Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail) and Apple Cider Mule.

Apple Cider Margarita cocktail on tray with apples and cinnamon sticks

Growing up, my fondest memories during the fall time included going to the apple orchard, picking as many apples as my little bag would allow and begging my parents to let us get a gallon of apple cider before we left. To this day, I can still remember the taste of taking my first sip of apple cider, it was fresh, crisp and hard to have just one glass.

This Apple Cider Margarita is an ode to the fun fall activities, like apple picking and that feeling of taking your first sip of apple cider for the season. It comes together in 5 minutes and uses just 4 main ingredients. It’s the perfect cocktail for Halloween, Thanksgiving or a fall dinner!

Apple Cider Margarita

Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card for quantities.

  • Tequila: Pick your favorite high quality tequila. I prefer using blanco tequila, but reposado tequila will also work in this marg.ย 
  • Spiced apple cider: If you canโ€™t find spiced apple cider, use regular apple cider and a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
  • Lime juice: Fresh squeezed is always best!
  • Maple syrup: I like the warmth pure maple syrup adds to this recipe, agave or simple syrup could also work though.
  • Apple slice, thyme, cinnamon stick: no cocktail is complete without a festive garnish. I used these ingredients for a simple but elegant touch
  • Sugar, salt, pumpkin pie spice: mix these spices in a shallow dish and rim your cocktail in the mixture for the final touch on this festive margarita.

Tools & Equipment List

You can check out my favorite glasses here!

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Rim your glasses – Add sugar, salt and pumpkin pie spice to a shallow dish and stir to combine them all together. Then, coat the rim of your cocktail glass with lime juice and submerge in the spice mixture until coated.

Step 2: Make your cocktails – To a cocktail shaker, add tequila, spiced apple cider, lime juice, maple syrup and ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker is chilled. Taste the cocktail and adjust to your taste.

Step 3: Fill your prepared cocktail glasses with ice and strain the mixture into them. If desired, garnish the cocktails with an apple slice, thyme sprig and cinnamon stick. Voila! You have two cocktails ready to be sipped!

Apple Cider Margarita

Tips for Making a Apple Cider Margarita

  • Apple cider can vary in sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, start with less maple syrup and adjust to your taste before straining the drink.
  • Mocktail version: Substitute tequila for chai tea or coconut water. You may need to lessen the quantity of maple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Alcohol Goes Best with Apple Cider?

This is really up to your preference, but I have a few favorites that I can recommend. Apple cider is a really versatile drink with itโ€™s warming spices and bright, crisp apple notes make it a great ingredient to mix with spirits like whiskey, vodka or tequila. The sweet but slightly tart finish is forward but not too overpowering and mixes well with premium spirits.

Can I make a batch of Apple Cider Margaritas?

Yes! Just multiply the recipe by your desired servings (this recipe makes 2 drinks so multiply accordingly). Add all ingredients to a pitcher and stir to combine. If necessary, add ice or water to your pitcher to dilute the drink. Serve in glasses over ice.

More Apple Cocktails To Try

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Apple Cider Margarita
5 stars (1 review)

Apple Cider Margarita

Servings: 2
Prep: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
The Apple Cider Margarita is made with tequila, spiced apple cider, lime juice, and maple syrup for a fun and fresh fall riff on the classic margarita
Print Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients
 

For the rim:

  • ยฝ tsp sugar
  • ยฝ tsp salt
  • ยฝ tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the cocktail

  • 3 oz tequila
  • 3 oz spiced apple cider
  • 1ยฝ oz lime juice
  • 1 oz maple syrup
  • Garnish: apple slice, thyme, cinnamon stick

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Add all rim ingredients to a shallow dish and combine. Coat the rim of 2 cocktail glasses with lime juice and submerge in the mixture. Fill with ice and set aside.
  • To a cocktail shaker – Add tequila, spiced apple cider, lime juice, maple and ice. Shake until chilled.
  • Strain into prepared cocktail glasses. If desired, garnish with an apple slice, thyme sprig and cinnamon stick.

Notes

  • Apple cider can vary in sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, start with less maple syrup and adjust to your taste before straining the drink.
  • Mocktail version: Substitute tequila for chai tea or coconut water. You may need to decrease the quantity of maple syrup.
Did you Make this Recipe?Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag @thesocialsipper on Instagram!