Easy Apple Cider Margarita Recipe For Fall

This Apple Cider Margarita is the perfect fall spin on the classic cocktail. With crisp apple cider, a touch of maple syrup and a pumpkin spice rim, it has all the flavors of the season.

This cider cocktail is a fun drink to mix up for Halloween, Thanksgiving, game day, or any fall get-together. With its spiced rim, apple garnish, and cinnamon stick, it looks and tastes like autumn.

Looking for more apple cider drinks? Try my Caramel Vodka Apple Cider or Bourbon Apple Cider!

Ingredients you'll need

Here's everything you need to make apple cider margaritas.

• Apple cider - fresh pressed tastes the best and gives it that real apple flavor.
• Tequila - I like reposado tequila in this drink, but blanco tequila works as well.
• Orange liqueur - Cointreau or triple sec adds a citrus note.
• Maple syrup - pairs perfectly with apple cider (you can swap in agave or simple syrup).
• Fresh lime juice - freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
• Ice - for shaking and serving.
• Pumpkin spice and sugar - or cinnamon sugar for the rim; add a pinch of salt if you like sweet and salty.
• Apple slice and cinnamon stick - the perfect fall garnish.

Bar equipment

Just a few basics make this cocktail easy to pull together.

• Cocktail shaker - for chilling and blending the ingredients. A shaker with a built-in strainer makes it easy to pour.
• Measuring shot glass - the easiest way to measure ounces.
• Small plate - for holding the spice and sugar rim mix.
• Rocks glass - classic for serving margaritas.

How to make it

Spice the Rim

Mix pumpkin spice and sugar (or cinnamon and sugar) on a small plate. Add a pinch of salt if you like a sweet and salty combo. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into the spice mixture so it's coated all the way around.

Shake It Up

Fill your shaker halfway with ice. Add the apple cider, tequila, orange liqueur, maple syrup, and lime juice. Shake it up until the shaker feels nice and cold-about 15 seconds.

Serve It Up

Fill your rimmed glass with fresh ice and strain in the margarita. Garnish with a lime-rubbed apple slice (this keeps it from browning) and add a cinnamon stick.

Fun Variations

Here are a few easy ways to switch it up.

• Sparkling - add a splash of club soda or sparkling cider on top.
• Spicy - muddle a slice of jalapeño with the lime juice before shaking.
• Cran Apple - add a splash of cranberry juice for color and sweet tart flavor.
• Pitcher Margaritas - to make a big batch, multiply the ingredients for as many servings as you need, stir together in a pitcher, and serve over ice with garnishes.

More Margarita Recipes

Love this fall margarita? Try one of these next.

• Classic Margarita - tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice-it never goes out of style.
• Pineapple Margarita - tropical and tangy with sweet pineapple juice and coconut tequila.
• Strawberry Margarita - light, refreshing, and made with fresh strawberries.
• Christmas Margarita - cranberry and citrus garnished with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for the holidays.