Apple Cider Margaritas are a fresh, autumn twist on a classic favorite! Combining the crisp sweetness of apple cider with the zesty kick of tequila and a hint of citrus, this margarita is a seasonal cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of fall!

Looking for more holiday inspired cocktails? Give my Cranberry Margaritas a try!

Apple cider margarita topped with rosemary, cinnamon stick and star anise.
Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

Before You Get Started

  • Chill your ingredients. Keep the apple cider and tequila in the fridge ahead of time so your margarita stays crisp and refreshing.
  • Prep the glass rims first. Mix the cinnamon sugar and coat your glasses before pouring the cocktail to avoid sticky messes.
  • Use fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice can taste flat, so fresh-squeezed juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • Consider ice options. Large ice cubes or spheres melt slower, keeping the drink from diluting too quickly.
  • Rim a few glasses at once. If making multiple drinks, prep all rims before mixing cocktails for a faster, smoother workflow.
Kelley
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u0022These margaritas were so good! We doubled the recipe and made a pitcher for a gathering and everyone loved them.u0022 – Paulie

Homemade apple cider margarita in a rocks glass topped with cinnamon and star anise.

Ingredients Needed

  • Silver Tequila: Silver tequila works best to combine with the apple flavor!
  • Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider is best!
  • Lime Juice: Fresh squeeze lime juice offers the best flavors. Skip the bottled stuff! I’ve al made these with lemon juice and orange juice when I don’t have limes around.
  • Grand Marnier: Grand marnier is an orange flavored liqueur that adds a rich flavor and is slightly sweet. Triple sec or cointreau would also work well. All three of these liqueurs are orange flavored and often used in margarita recipes!
  • Ice: To keep things cold!
  • Cinnamon Sugar: A cinnamon sugar rim is the cherry on top!
  • Garnish: I like to garnish mine with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a sprig of rosemary. This makes the drink look extra fancy and adds an aroma as you drink, but you technically do not have to garnish it!
Overhead shot of apple cider margarita with rosemary, star anise and cinnamon as garnish.

How to Make Apple Cider Margaritas

  1. Make Sugar Rim: Add sugar and cinnamon to a plate. Stir to combine. Run the cut side of a lime wedge around the rim of the glass. Dip the glass into the cinnamon sugar mixture, turning a couple times to make sure its coated.
  2. Add Liquids: Pour the tequila, apple cider, lime juice, and grand marnier into the sugar rimmed glass. Stir then fill the glass to the top with ice.
  3. Garnish & Enjoy: Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a sprig of rosemary on the top. Enjoy!
Hand holding an apple cider margarita with cinnamon sugar rim.

Tips For Success

  • Remember, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons! This might be helpful if you don’t have a cocktail set that has a shot glass that is exactly one ounce.
  • Serve your margaritas in rocks glass or a margarita glass!
  • Don’t have cinnamon sticks on hand? You can also garnish these apple spice margaritas with a simple pinch of ground cinnamon.

Apple Cider Margarita FAQ

How can I make this apple cider margarita a mocktail?

Simply omit the tequila and grand marnier in this recipe, and replace the liquid with extra apple cider and a splash of seltzer. You will have a sweet and refreshing mocktail apple cider margarita!

How can I make apple cider margaritas for a crowd?

If you want to make apple cider margaritas for a crowd, multiply the recipe by the number of cocktails you need and prepare the margaritas in a pitcher! Then, add the cinnamon sugar rim to each glass and simply pour and serve.

What’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?

Apple juice and apple cider are similar, but apple juice is more filtered and to have a sweeter and lighter texture. Apple cider is not as filtered, so it has a thicker texture and deeper flavor.

What tequila is best for apple cider margaritas?

I like to use blanco tequila (silver tequila) for a crisp, lively drink where the cider is front and center. Reposado tequila (gold tequila) will also work for more warmth and richness for a cozy, fall‑cocktail feel.

Apple cider margarita in a rocks glass with cinnamon sugar rim.

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    Recipe

    Apple Cider Margaritas

    5 from 1 vote
    Apple Cider Margaritas are a fresh, autumn twist on a classic favorite! Combining the crisp sweetness of apple cider with the zesty kick of tequila and a hint of citrus, this margarita is a seasonal cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of fall!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Serves 1
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    • 2 ounces silver tequila
    • 2 ounces apple cider
    • 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
    • 1/2 ounce grand marnier
    • ice for serving

    Cinnamon Sugar for rim

    • 1 tsp granulated sugar
    • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

    For garnish

    • cinnamon stick
    • star anise
    • sprig of rosemary

    Instructions

    • Add sugar and cinnamon to a plate. Stir to combine.
      Run the cut side of a lime wedge around the rim of the glass.
      Dip the glass into the cinnamon sugar mixture turning a couple times to make sure its coated.
    • Pour the tequila, apple cider, lime juice and grand mariner into the sugar rimmed glass. Stir then fill the glass to the top with ice.
    • Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise and a sprig of rosemary on top. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Chill your ingredients. Keep the apple cider and tequila in the fridge ahead of time so your margarita stays crisp and refreshing.
    • Prep the glass rims first. Mix the cinnamon sugar and coat your glasses before pouring the cocktail to avoid sticky messes.
    • Use fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice can taste flat, so fresh-squeezed juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
    • Consider ice options. Large ice cubes or spheres melt slower, keeping the drink from diluting too quickly.
    • Rim a few glasses at once. If making multiple drinks, prep all rims before mixing cocktails for a faster, smoother workflow.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 81mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 9IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.1mg

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