Each season has a flavor, and when working on a cocktail menu every fall, I come back to apple cider. I simmer the cider for hours until it turns into a rich, flavorful syrup. For this apple cider margarita, the warm flavor of the simmered cider blends incredibly well with aged tequila.
This apple cider margarita recipe drops the classic margarita lime in favor of a more mellow lemon, but keeps the hint of orange from the triple sec. For quintessential fall spice, add a dash of aromatic bitters and use a cinnamon sugar-rimmed glass.
Apple Cider Margarita Ingredients
- Reposado or anejo tequila: The aged tequila complements autumn flavors and adds a layer of complexity.
- Apple cider syrup: Start with apple cider, not apple juice, for the best flavor.
- Lemon juice: Grab a bag of lemons to juice—or look for a brand like Natalie’s in a grocer’s refrigerator.
- Triple sec: This is a classic ingredient for a margarita, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other orange liqueurs. The brandy base of Grand Marnier would be fantastic in this apple cider margarita recipe.
- Angostura bitters: For years, Angostura was the only bitters brand around. It’s still a bar staple, but any spice-forward bitters (and there are a lot now) will work.
- Cinnamon sugar: If you have a blend at home, grab it from the pantry. But if not, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon should suffice.
Directions
Step 1: Make the cider syrup
Bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-low and allow the cider to simmer, uncovered, for approximately three hours or until the amount is reduced to about 2 cups. Stir occasionally and skim any solids that rise to the surface as the cider simmers.
Let the syrup cool and transfer it to a resealable container. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
Editor’s Tip: The syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for about two weeks.
Step 2: Prepare the glass
Spread the cinnamon sugar onto a plate that is just larger than your glass. Using a lemon wedge, wet the edge of the glass. Roll the rim of the glass through the cinnamon sugar. Fill your glass 3/4 full with ice.
Editor’s Tip: If you have a sugar with large crystals (like Sugar in the Raw), this is a great time to get it out. It won’t blend with the cinnamon quite as well, but the presentation looks great.
Step 3: Shake the margarita
Combine the tequila, 1 ounce cider syrup, lemon juice, triple sec and bitters in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, cover and shake until frost forms on the outside of the shaker, 15 to 20 seconds. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. As a garnish, a lemon wedge, cinnamon stick or apple chip is a great way to boost the presentation.
Apple Cider Margarita Variations
- Try more spices: Add a cinnamon stick or a bundle of mulling spices for part of the simmering time when making the syrup. Be sure to taste test it regularly and pull the spices when the flavor is right.
- Add some cardamom to the rim: Mix some ground cardamom into the cinnamon sugar when preparing the glass. The sweet scent and flavor complement the cinnamon.
Can you make apple cider margaritas ahead of time?
Yes! Scale the ratios for the number of apple cider margaritas you want to make. Once the ingredients have been combined in a pitcher or other storage container, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days. When you’re ready to serve, pour 4 ounces into a cocktail shaker and shake. Continue the recipe from there.
For a pitcher of apple cider margaritas, mix the ingredients right in the pitcher and add ice. Since it’s not being shaken, let it sit for a few minutes before serving and be sure to give it a stir. You can prep the glasses as described in Step 2 before serving.
Apple Cider Margarita Tips
What is the best kind of tequila to use for this margarita?
There are so many great brands of tequila that it’s hard to recommend one or two! Stick with a reposado or anejo for this apple cider margarita. The little bit of oak from the aging process goes a long way in adding depth and complexity.
Do you have to use tequila for this margarita?
No—you can swap in bourbon or brandy for the tequila. It won’t technically be a margarita, but with notes of spice and vanilla in both spirits (much like the aged tequila), either one will complement the autumn flavors here.
