Apple Cider Margarita & Mocktail

If fall had a signature cocktail, this would be it. My apple cider margarita takes everything you love about a classic marg and gives it a crisp, cozy twist with cinnamon sugar rims, fresh orange juice, and real apple cider (not too sweet, I promise). It’s the kind of drink that tastes like fall in a glass and according to Andrew, “like half Cinnamon Toast Crunch (because of the rim) and half Quaker Apples & Cinnamon Oatmeal, but in margarita form!” I guess that’s how we’re going to market this margarita…

Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or batching a pitcher for friends, this recipe couldn’t be easier to shake together. Hope you try it and love it as much as we do!

How To Make Apple Cider Margarita

Here’s a video of how to make Apple Cider Margarita! For another delicious cocktail, check out my batched Pomegranate & Blood Orange Margarita recipe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Apple Cider Margarita sweet?

This margarita is definitely not very sweet. The sweetness comes from the apple cider and if you want a touch more sweetness, just add a tiny splash of agave!

How can I make this non-alcoholic?

To make this cocktail non-alcoholic, you can replace the orange liqueur with an additional 1 ½ ounces or freshly squeezed orange juice (for a total of 2 ounces per cocktail). You can also replace the tequila with a combination of ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice and 1½ ounces sparkling water, sparkling apple cider, or ginger beer.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients – Individual Portion (Serves 1)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ ounces blanco tequila (I love LALO)
• ½ ounce Cointreau or orange liqueur
• ½ ounce freshly squeezed orange juice (from ½ a naval orange)
• 2 ounces apple cider
• Apple slices, for garnish
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish
• Star anise, for garnish (optional)
• Ice

Step-By-Step Method – Individual Portion

1. Add the sugar and cinnamon to a shallow dish and gently mix to evenly combine. Use the squeezed orange half to rub the edge of a rocks glass. Rim the glass in the cinnamon sugar.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, cointreau, orange juice, and apple cider. Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until frosty, about 30 seconds.
3. Fill the prepared glass with ice and strain the margarita over top. Nestle in a few slices of apple, a cinnamon stick, and star anise (if using) for garnish.

Ingredients – Batched Portion (Serves 8)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups blanco tequila (I love LALO)
• ½ cup Cointreau or orange liqueur
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 ¾ cups apple cider
• Apple slices, for garnish
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish
• Star anise, for garnish (optional)
• Ice

Step-By-Step Method – Batched Portion

1. Add the tequila, cointreau, orange juice, and apple cider in a large pitcher and stir well until combined. Store in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.
2. Add the sugar and cinnamon to a shallow dish and gently mix to evenly combine. Use the squeezed orange halves to rub the edge of the rocks glasses and rim them in the cinnamon sugar.
3. When ready to serve, fill the prepared glasses with ice and pour the margarita over top. Nestle in a few slices of apple, a cinnamon stick, and star anise (if using) for garnish.

Ingredients – Nonalcoholic Batched Portion (Serves 8)

• 1 cup (nonalcoholic) ginger beer
• 1 cup sparkling water
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 3/4 cups apple cider
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Ice, for serving
• Apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and/or star anise for garnish

Step-By-Step Method – Nonalcoholic Batched Portion

1. Add the ginger beer, sparkling water, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, and apple cider to a large pitcher and stir well until combined. Store in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.
2. Add the sugar and cinnamon to a shallow dish and gently mix to evenly combine. Use the squeezed orange halves to rub the edge of the rocks glasses and rim them in the cinnamon sugar.
3. When ready to serve, fill the prepared glasses with ice and pour the margarita over top. Nestle in a slice of apple, a cinnamon stick, and star anise (if using) for garnish. Cheers!