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Perfect Spiced Apple Cider Margarita Recipe (Easy Fall Drink)

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A perfectly balanced fall cocktail that combines warm spiced apple cider with bright lime and smooth tequila. This easy-to-make margarita is quick, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for everything from quiet nights to Thanksgiving dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon cinnamon)
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 thin slice fresh ginger (about the size of a quarter)
  • 4 ounces (120 ml) blanco tequila (100% agave, e.g., Espolon or Casamigos)
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • Ice cubes (large cubes preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Lime wedges for rimming
  • Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the Spiced Cider Base: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise (if using), and ginger slice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (do not boil). Simmer for 8-10 minutes until deeply fragrant and slightly reduced. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl or measuring cup. Discard solids. Let cool completely (can be made a day ahead and refrigerated).
  2. Prepare the Glasses: On a small plate, mix together the coarse sea salt, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip the rim into the salt-sugar mixture, twisting gently to coat evenly. Set aside.
  3. Mix the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the cooled spiced cider, blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and maple syrup. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker feels frosty cold.
  4. Strain and Serve: Fill the prepared glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses. (Alternatively, pour the entire shaker contents into the glass for a slightly diluted drink.)
  5. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish each glass with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip simmering the cider with spices—it infuses warmth and complexity. Adjust maple syrup based on cider sweetness. Always use fresh lime juice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Ensure spiced cider is completely cool before mixing. For a crowd, multiply the recipe and keep the mixture (without ice) in a pitcher; shake individual portions with ice when ready to serve. The spiced cider base can be made up to 3 days ahead. The fully mixed cocktail (without ice) can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, apple cider margarita, easy margarita recipe, Thanksgiving drink, Halloween cocktail, tequila cocktail, spiced margarita

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