Apple Cider Margarita

by | Sep 5, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes, Seasonal Cocktails

Apple Cider Margarita cocktail in a rocks glass with cinnamon-sugar rim, ice cubes, apple slice garnish, and cinnamon stick on a rustic wooden bar top

An Apple Cider Margarita is the perfect fall cocktail—crisp cider, fresh lime, and tequila shaken with a cinnamon-sugar rim. We first served these at a barn wedding on Long Island; the cinnamon rims and apple-slice garnishes vanished before dinner. Cozy, bright, and batch-friendly.

About This Apple Cider Margarita

This riff blends the classic 3-2-1 margarita ratio (tequila, orange liqueur, lime) with unfiltered apple cider for fall flavor. A cinnamon-sugar rim makes it instantly festive. It’s one of our most popular fall margaritas for Friendsgiving, Halloween parties, and chilly patio nights.

Pro link: Planning a crowd? Use our Alcohol Calculator to estimate bottles and mixers.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 2 oz apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz agave syrup (optional, to taste)
  • Cinnamon-sugar mix for rim
  • Garnish: apple slice, cinnamon stick

Steps

  1. Rim the glass. Mix equal parts sugar and cinnamon. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip in the mix.
  2. Shake. Add tequila, apple cider, orange liqueur, lime juice, and (optional) agave to a shaker with ice. Shake 12–15 seconds.
  3. Strain. Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
  4. Garnish & serve. Add an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

Bar Tips

  • Best cider: unfiltered cider gives the richest flavor and color.
  • Balance to taste: if the cider is very sweet, reduce or skip agave.
  • Tequila choice: clean, peppery blanco keeps it bright; reposado adds warmth.

Flavor Pairings

  • Pairs with: roasted squash, sharp cheddar, spiced nuts, apple desserts.
  • Serving tip: pre-rim glasses; add ice and garnish to order to keep rims crisp.

Variations

  • Spiced Cider Margarita: add 0.25 oz cinnamon syrup or a dash of allspice.
  • Apple Cider Mezcalita: swap tequila for mezcal for gentle smoke.
  • Apple Cider Highball: build over ice and top with a splash of soda water.
  • Mocktail: use sparkling apple cider + a splash of orange juice; skip spirits.

Party Batch (8 drinks)

  • 2 cups (16 oz) blanco tequila
  • 2 cups (16 oz) apple cider
  • 1 cup (8 oz) orange liqueur
  • 6 oz fresh lime juice
  • 4 oz agave syrup (optional)

Combine in a pitcher and chill 1–2 hours. Rim glasses with cinnamon-sugar, pour 4–5 oz per drink over ice, and garnish with apple slices.

When to Serve

Perfect for fall parties, tailgates, and holiday dinners. It’s a fast favorite alongside our Fall Margarita and Apple Cider Mule.

See more Cocktail Recipes or our seasonal roundup: Fall Cocktail Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Apple Cider Margarita

How do you make an Apple Cider Margarita?

Shake tequila, apple cider, orange liqueur, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a cinnamon-sugar rimmed glass and garnish with apple and cinnamon.

What alcohol mixes well with apple cider?

Whiskey, spiced rum, brandy, vodka, and tequila all pair beautifully with apple cider. For fall margaritas, tequila highlights the citrus and spice.

What is the 3-2-1 rule for margaritas?

It’s 3 parts tequila, 2 parts orange liqueur, 1 part lime juice. For apple cider margaritas, add 2 parts cider to bring fall flavor.

Do tequila and apple cider go together?

Yes! The agave notes in tequila balance the sweetness of cider. With a cinnamon rim, it’s one of the best fall margarita variations.