No-Cook

Spicy Apple Cider Margarita

September 10, 2018
5
4 Ratings
Photo by Bobbi Lin
  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Cook time 1 minute
  • Makes 1 drink
Author Notes

The margarita has always been my go-to summer drink, but this year I'm making it my fall drink, too, with five autumnal takes on the classic cocktail.

In this version, inspired by Cookie & Kate's Spiced Apple Margarita, I swapped some of the lime juice for apple cider—a quintessentially fall beverage—and kicked things up a notch with a healthy pinch of cayenne and cinnamon. The result is a sweet, spicy, and decidedly seasonal libation you might just like more than the original.

A few notes on making it at home: I prefer mine with reposado tequila, but it's just as good with blanco. In the ingredients list, I'm slightly conservative with the spice level, because your drink will get spicier the longer it sits. Like it really spicy? Add an extra pinch of cayenne, or consider adding a few pinches of cayenne and cinnamon sticks to your tequila the night before.

This recipe is featured in the article, 5 Margarita Recipes Perfect for Fall, sponsored by Agave In The Raw.Erin Alexander

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 1 1/2 ounces apple cider
  • 3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 3/4 ounce Agave in the Raw
  • 2 pinches ground cinnamon, divided
  • 2 pinches cayenne pepper, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt or cocktail salt (optional)
Directions
  1. If you'd like a salt rim, combine the salt with one pinch each cayenne and cinnamon and pinch together with your fingers until it's a uniform color. Dump it out on a plate, and prepare an (empty) rocks glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge. Dip the wet glass rim in the salt mixture and rub it around until the rim is coated.
  2. Fill your glass with ice.
  3. Combine the tequila, apple cider, lime juice, agave nectar, and a pinch each cinnamon and cayenne in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds and double strain (pour though a mesh strainer) into your ice-filled glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a strip of orange zest, if you like.

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4 Reviews

spud December 11, 2021
This was so good at Thanksgiving, the family wants it again for Christmas Eve!!!
 
Gina H. October 30, 2021
Loved this. Next time I would use just a smidge of agave though. I accidentally put the cinnamon and the cayenne in the drink but it tasted great.
 
Megan October 27, 2019
This was delightful.
 
Jaimee December 2, 2018
Very good!