When autumn beckons and you’re craving something beyond the basic pumpkin spice, we’ve got just the cocktail to elevate your seasonal sipping game. Our Smoky Apple Cider Margarita brings together the earthy complexity of mezcal with crisp apple cider, creating a sophisticated twist on the classic margarita that’s perfect for your next gathering.
Watch 🎥: How to Make an Apple Cider Margarita
What Is a Smoky Apple Cider Margarita?
Need an epic fall cocktail recipe? This innovative cocktail combines premium mezcal with fresh apple cider and classic margarita elements, finished with a sweet-and-spicy salt rim that perfectly complements the drink’s complex flavor profile. The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail that bridges the gap between summer’s bright margaritas and autumn’s warming spirits.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make a Smoky Apple Cider Margarita
How to Make a Smoky Apple Cider Margarita
- Prepare the rim by running a lime wedge around the glass edge and dipping in the sweet-spicy salt mixture.
- Add the cider syrup to your glass.
- Fill a shaker with ice and add mezcal, margarita mix, and apple cider.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain over fresh ice in your prepared glass.
- Garnish with apple chips.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Tip 1: For best results, chill your apple cider beforehand to maintain the drink’s integrity.
- Tip 2: Don’t skip the sweet-spicy rim – it’s crucial for the full flavor experience.
- Tip 3: When making by the pitcher, add ice just before serving to prevent dilution.
How to Serve This Smoky Apple Cider Margarita
Serve in a rocks glass over fresh ice. For maximum impact, add a few apple chips as garnish and consider serving alongside a small plate of additional chips dusted with the sweet-spicy salt mixture.
More Cocktail Recipes
Love this smoky twist? Explore our collection of mezcal cocktails or discover more seasonal favorites in our autumn cocktails section.
Apple Cider Margarita Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Single Serving:
- 1 lime sliced into wedges
- 1/2 teas Athol Apple Cider Syrup see note
- Ice
- 2 oz mezcal
- 3 oz margarita mix
- 2 oz apple cider
- apple chips for garnish
For the sweet and spicy salt
- 1/2 cup cocktail salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Run the lime wedge over the rim of the glass.
- Dip the glass into the sweet and spicy salt, if desired.
- Spoon the cider syrup into a glass
- Put fresh ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the mezcal, margarita mix and apple cider. Shake to chill and combine.
- Strain over fresh ice in a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with apple chips and serve.
- For the Sweet and Spicy Salt
- Mix the cocktail salt, brown sugar, paprika, and cinnamon in a bowl together.
- Using your fingers, or a small whisk, make sure everything is thoroughly combined.
- Store in a resealable container until ready to use.
- By the pitcher:
- Have the cider syrup on the side for garnish.
- 1 750 ml bottle mezcal or blanco tequila
- 2 25 oz bottles classic margarita mix
- 2 cups high-quality apple cider
- 1 cup apple chips on the side for garnish
- Mix the tequila, margarita mix, and apple cider in a large pitcher with ice. Sprinkle the apple chips over top.
Video
Notes
Recipe FAQs
A: Yes, while you’ll lose the signature smokiness, a quality blanco tequila makes an excellent alternative.
A: Stored in an airtight container, the mixture stays fresh for up to one month.
A: Choose unfiltered, fresh-pressed cider for the most authentic apple flavor.
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A thing of beauty!
Kita, this is a gorgeous drink and your photos are always the best!!