Print

Perfect Apple Cider Margarita for Fall Tailgate

apple cider margarita - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, perfectly balanced apple cider margarita that comes together in under 5 minutes with no fancy techniques or obscure ingredients. This crowd-pleasing fall cocktail features reposado tequila, fresh apple cider, and lime juice with a cinnamon-sugar rim.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces reposado tequila (Espolón or Casamigos recommended)
  • 3 ounces fresh apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice (about half a large lime)
  • ½ ounce orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
  • ½ ounce maple syrup (optional, Grade A amber recommended)
  • Ice (large cubes preferred)
  • Cinnamon-sugar rim (1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
  • Apple slice and cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your glass first: run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture on a small plate, rotating gently to coat evenly. Set aside.
  2. Juice your lime: roll the lime on the counter before cutting to release more juice. Cut in half crosswise.
  3. Fill your shaker about halfway with ice (¾ full is ideal).
  4. Add liquids to the shaker: 2 ounces reposado tequila, 3 ounces apple cider, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, ½ ounce orange liqueur, and ½ ounce maple syrup if using.
  5. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker feels painfully cold in your hands.
  6. Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice (not the ice from the shaker). Pour the entire contents of the shaker into the glass, ice and all.
  7. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar rim—it makes the drink feel like fall. Use cold apple cider to prevent excessive ice melt. Fresh lime juice is essential; bottled juice will make the drink taste flat. For a batch, multiply ingredients by number of servings and combine in a pitcher without ice. Add lime juice and maple syrup right before serving. Pre-rim glasses and pre-juice limes for tailgates. If over-shaking, the drink becomes too diluted—shake just 15-20 seconds.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, tailgate drink, tequila cocktail, apple cider drink, easy margarita, cinnamon sugar rim

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/perfect-apple-cider-margarita-for-fall-tailgate/