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Perfect Spiced Apple Cider Margarita: Easy Fall Cocktail

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This spiced apple cider margarita balances fresh apple cider with tequila, lime, and warm spices for a bright, warming fall cocktail that’s simple enough for a Tuesday but impressive enough for a Friendsgiving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz blanco tequila (Espolòn or Casamigos recommended)
  • 1 oz fresh apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice (about half a large lime)
  • ½ oz orange liqueur (Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier)
  • ½ oz pure maple syrup (optional, adjust based on cider sweetness)
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Ice cubes (large cubes melt slower)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for rim)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rim)
  • 1 lime wedge (for rimming the glass)
  • 1 thin apple slice (Honeycrisp or Fuji, for garnish)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
  • Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cinnamon-sugar rim: On a small plate, mix 1 tablespoon granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into the mixture, twisting gently to coat evenly. Set aside.
  2. Juice your lime: Roll the lime on the counter before cutting to release the juices. Squeeze until you have about ¾ oz of fresh juice. Strain out any seeds.
  3. Combine ingredients in the shaker: Add 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz fresh apple cider, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz orange liqueur, ½ oz maple syrup (if using), a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
  4. Add ice and shake: Fill your shaker with ice cubes (about ¾ full). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
  5. Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice: Use large cubes if you have them—they melt slower and keep the drink from getting watery.
  6. Strain and pour: Hold the shaker lid slightly ajar to strain out the ice, then pour the liquid into your rimmed glass over the fresh ice.
  7. Garnish and serve: Add a thin apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip fresh lime juice—bottled lime juice makes the drink taste flat. Shake vigorously until the shaker is frosty cold. Adjust sweetness based on your apple cider: if very sweet, skip the maple syrup; if tart, add it. Rim the glass right before serving to prevent the sugar from becoming sticky. For a smoky version, use reposado tequila or mezcal. For a non-alcoholic version, replace tequila with sparkling water or ginger beer and use non-alcoholic orange bitters.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, apple cider margarita, tequila cocktail, cinnamon sugar rim, easy cocktail recipe

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/perfect-spiced-apple-cider-margarita-easy-fall-cocktail/