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Cozy Apple Cider Margarita with Cinnamon Salt Rim

apple cider margarita - featured image

A warm, spiced twist on the classic margarita, combining reposado tequila, fresh apple cider, and lime juice with a cinnamon-salt rim. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz reposado tequila (recommended: Espolón or Patrón)
  • 3 oz fresh apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice (about half a large lime)
  • ½ oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 lime wedge (to moisten the rim)
  • 1 thin apple slice (optional garnish, Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cinnamon Salt Rim: In a small, shallow dish, combine 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed. Run a lime wedge around the rim of two rocks glasses, then dip each glass into the cinnamon-salt mixture to coat the rim. Tap off any excess. Set aside.
  2. Juice the Lime: Cut a lime in half and juice it. You’ll need about 1½ tablespoons total for two drinks. Roll the lime on the counter before cutting to make juicing easier.
  3. Combine the Liquid Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add 4 oz reposado tequila, 6 oz fresh apple cider, 1½ oz fresh lime juice, and 1 oz orange liqueur.
  4. Shake It Up: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the shaker feels frosty cold.
  5. Fill the Glasses: Fill the prepared glasses with fresh ice cubes. Strain the margarita mixture evenly into the two glasses.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Drop a thin apple slice into each glass. Add a cinnamon stick for stirring, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a saltier rim, use a 2:1 ratio of salt to sugar; for a sweeter rim, use 2:1 sugar to salt. Chill glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before rimming to help the salt stick. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. If making a pitcher, multiply ingredients by 8-10 and mix without ice; add ice just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, tequila, cinnamon salt rim, Thanksgiving drink, cozy margarita