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Best Spiced Apple Cider Margarita with Easy Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Spiced apple cider margarita - featured image
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A quick and easy fall cocktail combining tequila, apple cider, lime juice, and orange liqueur with a warm cinnamon sugar rim. Perfect for gatherings, this drink balances sweet, tart, and boozy flavors in under five minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz tequila blanco or reposado
  • 3 oz apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • ¾ oz orange liqueur (triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier)
  • Ice (large cubes preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (Saigon cinnamon recommended)
  • Lime wedge or honey (for rimming glass)
  • Optional garnishes: thin apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise

Instructions

  1. Make the cinnamon sugar mixture: In a small shallow dish, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Whisk until evenly mixed.
  2. Prep your glasses: Run a lime wedge around the outer rim of each glass (or brush with honey). Dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture, tap off excess, and set aside.
  3. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  4. Add 2 oz tequila, 3 oz apple cider, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and ¾ oz orange liqueur to the shaker.
  5. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty.
  6. Fill prepared glasses with fresh ice.
  7. Strain the cocktail into the glasses, being careful not to disturb the rim.
  8. Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use cold apple cider and large ice cubes. The cinnamon sugar rim should be applied only to the outside of the glass to avoid grittiness. If cider is very sweet, add extra lime juice to balance. For parties, mix ingredients (except ice) in a pitcher up to 3 days ahead; rim glasses and add ice just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider margarita, spiced margarita, fall cocktail, cinnamon sugar rim, tequila cocktail, apple cider drink, holiday cocktail

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/best-spiced-apple-cider-margarita-with-easy-cinnamon-sugar-rim/