Apple Cider Margarita (Pitcher or Single)

Cozy fall margarita with crisp apple, lime, and cinnamon in 5 minutes, plus Thanksgiving pitcher ratios

Shake bright apple cider with tequila and lime for a clean, cinnamon-kissed margarita that pours beautifully by the glass or by the pitcher.

Why You’ll Love It

• Thanksgiving-ready pitcher: Built for Thanksgiving Margarita pitcher recipes with clear ratios for 6, 8, or 12 servings.
• Seasonal flavor that still tastes like a marg: Fresh lime and orange liqueur keep the profile bright so it never drinks like dessert.
• Flexible fall spins: Easy Apple Butter Margarita, Cranberry Apple Cider Margarita, or spiced Harvest Margarita recipe.
• Party-board friendly: Garnish ideas and drink board ideas that actually help guests self-serve.
• Crowd or solo: Scale up for fall cocktails for a crowd or shake one perfect glass after work.

Ingredients (notes only)

Base (per drink)

• Tequila blanco: Clean, peppery backbone that lets apple shine. Reposado works for a warmer profile.
• Apple cider (fresh, unfiltered): Not apple juice. Adds body and natural sweetness.
• Lime juice (fresh): Essential acidity so it still tastes like a margarita.
• Orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec): Citrus lift; balances cider’s sweetness.
• Maple syrup or agave (optional): Use only if your cider is very tart.
• Cinnamon-sugar rim: Classic fall cue; use maple or lime to stick.
• Garnish: Thin apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise.

Flavor add-ins

• Apple butter: For the Apple Butter Cocktail vibe and silky texture.
• 100% cranberry juice: Ruby color and tart snap for the Cranberry Apple Cider Margarita.
• Bitters: 2–3 dashes aromatic or orange bitters add depth without extra sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim the glass: Mix 2 Tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon. Swipe rim with lime wedge or maple, dip and coat.
2. Shake: Add ice to a shaker. For one drink, add 2 oz tequila, 2 oz apple cider, ¾ oz fresh lime, ½ oz orange liqueur. Optional: ¼ oz maple.
3. Add variants (optional): For apple butter, add 1 Tbsp apple butter and shake hard; for cranberry, add ½ oz cranberry juice.
4. Shake 12–15 seconds until frosty.
5. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
6. Garnish: Apple fan and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Pitcher (8 drinks, about 64 oz with ice dilution):

• 2 cups tequila, 2 cups apple cider, 1½ cups lime juice, 1 cup orange liqueur, ¼–½ cup maple to taste. Stir with ice 1–2 minutes, strain into a clean pitcher over fresh ice. Garnish with apple wheels and cinnamon sticks.

Pro Tips

• Balance before sweetness: Taste first. Add maple only if your cider is lean; many fresh ciders are sweet enough.
• Apple butter smoothness: Whisk apple butter with a splash of cider before adding to a pitcher so it dissolves evenly.
• Crystal-clear pour: Double-strain if you want fewer ice shards.
• Keep apples from browning: Toss garnish slices in a touch of lemon juice and blot dry.
• Batch like a pro: Pre-chill all liquids and your pitcher so service stays cold without over-diluting.

Variations

• Apple Butter Margarita: Add 8 Tbsp (½ cup) apple butter to the 8-drink pitcher, or 1 Tbsp per glass.
• Cranberry Apple Cider Margarita: Add 1 cup 100% cranberry juice to the 8-drink pitcher, or ½–1 oz per glass.
• Smoky Harvest Margarita: Use mezcal for ¼ to ½ of the tequila for gentle smoke.
• Sparkling: Top each glass with 1–2 oz dry hard cider for lift right before serving.
• No-alcohol option: Swap tequila with 2 oz non-alcoholic tequila or extra cider plus 2–3 dashes orange bitters.

How to Serve

Set out salted and cinnamon-sugar rims, lime wedges, apple fans, and cinnamon sticks so guests can build their own. For a Thanksgiving spread, pour this pitcher beside cozy sides like this creamy Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin and a plate of warm Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls. For a snack board, add sweet-crunchy Pumpkin Seed & Coconut Clusters, then finish with festive slices of Pecan Pie Recipe.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make ahead (pitcher): Mix everything except lime juice up to 24 hours ahead. Add lime and ice just before serving.
• Fridge: Leftover pitcher (without ice) keeps 2 days; flavors mellow. Re-brighten with a squeeze of lime.
• Freezer: Freeze in zip bags without ice up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and stir well.
• Re-chill quickly: Pour over a fresh ice block in the pitcher to limit dilution.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
You can, but it will taste lighter and sweeter. Reduce maple and add a pinch of ground cinnamon.

What tequila is best?
Blanco for bright citrusy notes; reposado for a smoother, vanilla-spice edge that pairs with cinnamon.

How do I scale for a crowd?
Multiply the single-drink ratios. For 12 drinks: 3 cups tequila, 3 cups cider, 2¼ cups lime, 1½ cups orange liqueur, ½–¾ cup maple to taste.

Is it too sweet with apple butter?
Not if you keep lime at full strength. Apple butter adds body; start with less maple and adjust.

Simple Nutrition Table (estimate, per drink without added maple)

Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Sodium
~210	~14 g	~12 g	0 g	~2 mg