Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Rim:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Pour 1 tablespoon maple syrup onto a small plate.
- Dip the rim of the glasses into the maple syrup, then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat the rim.
Make Margarita:
- Add ice cubes to the bottom of the rimmed glasses.
- To each prepared glass, add 4 oz (6 tbsp) fresh apple cider, 2 oz (4 tbsp) blanco tequila, 1 oz (2 tbsp) orange liqueur, and ½ oz (1 tbsp) lime juice. Stir ingredients together in each glass until chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Top off with additional ice if needed and garnish the glasses with fresh apple slices and cinnamon on the rim if desired.
- Serve and enjoy your apple cider cocktail!
Notes
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the rim and complements the tartness of the margarita. You can substitute it with brown sugar for a slightly different flavor, raw sugar, or powdered sugar for a smoother cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also use a salt rim instead.
Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides warmth and a delightful spice to the rim. It pairs really well with the apple cider. You can use ground nutmeg as a substitute for a different spice note.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup helps the sugar and cinnamon to stick to the rim and also imparts a rich, maple flavor that complements the apple cider. You can use honey, agave syrup, simple syrup, or agave nectar as a substitute for a similar effect.
Apple Cider: I used store-bought apple cider, but you can use freshly pressed apple cider, which provides a refreshing and crisp apple flavor to the margarita. Feel free to use spiced apple cider, which is usually in the juice, groceries or beverage section of most local grocery stores during the fall season.
Tequila: Tequila is the alcoholic base of this margarita. Two popular tequilas are Blanco (Silver) tequila and Reposado tequila. Blanco (Silver) tequila is clear and un-aged. It has a crisp, agave flavor. Reposado tequila is lightly aged and mellow in taste. Both are perfect for cocktails and sipping. For a non-alcoholic version, you can use apple juice or sparkling apple cider. In this recipe, I used Blanco tequila, but you can use your favorite tequila.
Triple Sec: Triple Sec is an orange liqueur that adds a citrusy sweetness and balances the tartness of the apple cider. You can replace it with Cointreau or Grand Marnier if they are available, or you can use orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives this cocktail a zesty and tart flavor and enhances the overall flavor profile. You can use bottled lime juice or lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh is preferable if you're in a pinch.
Ice Cubes: Ice cubes are essential for chilling the margarita and diluting it slightly, balancing the flavors. You can use crushed ice or larger ice cubes, depending on your preference.
Apple Slices (optional): Apple slices serve as a garnish and add a touch of visual appeal to the cocktail. They also reinforce the apple theme. Feel free to substitute with orange or lime slices for a different garnish.