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–+ servings
Sarah

Apple Cider Margarita (Pitcher or Single)

A bright, fall-spiced margarita featuring tequila, fresh lime, and real apple cider. Make it by the glass or pitcher, with optional Apple Butter and Cranberry twists — a festive favorite for Thanksgiving or cozy gatherings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink(s)
Course: Cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 lime wedge or 1 tsp maple syrup (for rim)
  • 2 oz tequila blanco (or reposado)
  • 2 oz fresh apple cider
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
  • 0–¼ oz maple syrup or agave, to taste
  • ice cubes
  • apple slices and cinnamon stick, for garnish
  • 2 cups tequila (for 8-drink pitcher)
  • 2 cups apple cider (for pitcher)
  • 1½ cups fresh lime juice (for pitcher)
  • 1 cup orange liqueur (for pitcher)
  • ¼–½ cup maple syrup or agave, to taste (for pitcher)
  • large ice block or cubes (for serving pitcher)
  • apple wheels and cinnamon sticks, for garnish
  • ½ cup apple butter (optional, for variation)
  • 1 cup cranberry juice, 100% (optional, for variation)

Equipment

  • cocktail shaker
  • rocks glass or margarita glass
  • measuring jigger
  • small plate (for rim mixture)
  • pitcher (for large batch)

Method

  • Mix sugar and cinnamon together on a small plate. Rim a rocks glass by swiping the edge with lime or maple syrup, then dip into the mixture.
  • Add ice to a shaker. Combine tequila, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur, and sweetener (if using).
  • Shake for 12–15 seconds until very cold. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish with apple slice and cinnamon stick before serving.
  • Pitcher version: In a chilled pitcher, combine tequila, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur, and sweetener. Stir over ice for 1–2 minutes, then strain into a clean pitcher over fresh ice. Garnish with apple wheels and cinnamon sticks. Pour into rimmed glasses.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 14gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 60mgSugar: 12gVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.1mg

Notes

Start with less sweetener — many apple ciders are naturally sweet.
Double-strain for a clearer pour.
Apple Butter Margarita: Whisk ½ cup apple butter into pitcher or 1 Tbsp per glass.
Cranberry Apple Cider Margarita: Add 1 cup cranberry juice to pitcher (or ½–1 oz per glass) and reduce maple syrup slightly.
Non-alcoholic: Replace tequila with NA tequila or extra cider plus orange bitters.
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