Apple Cider Margarita

Apple Cider Margarita

This apple cider margarita is fall in a glass. Crisp apple cider and fresh lime balance the caramel-and-oak warmth of SWOL Anejo Tequila, with a splash of Cointreau to round it out and a cinnamon-sugar rim on top. It is easy, cozy, and perfect for a crowd. Serve it over ice with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. Here is exactly how to make an apple cider margarita at home.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 oz SWOL Anejo Tequila (aged and oaky; pairs beautifully with apple)
  • 2 oz fresh apple cider (unfiltered, non-alcoholic cider gives the best flavor)
  • 1/2 oz Cointreau
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • Cinnamon sugar, for the rim
  • Apple slice and a cinnamon stick, for garnish
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Rim a rocks glass: run an apple or lime slice around the edge and dip in cinnamon sugar.
  2. Add SWOL Anejo, apple cider, Cointreau, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
  3. Shake for 12-15 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain over fresh ice into the rimmed glass.
  5. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Style of Glass to use
  • Margarita Glass
Garnishes
  • Cinnamon Stick

Fresh apple cider vs hard cider

This recipe uses fresh, non-alcoholic apple cider for pure apple flavor and control over sweetness. Hard cider works too and adds fizz, but reduce the Cointreau since it is sweeter. For extra depth, use a spiced or unfiltered cider.

Best tequila for an apple cider margarita

An anejo is the move. SWOL Anejo brings caramel, vanilla, and oak that echo baked apple and warm spice. Reposado is a lighter option; skip harsh blanco, which clashes with the cozy cider flavor.

How to make the cinnamon-sugar rim?

Mix 1 part ground cinnamon with 3 parts granulated sugar. Wet the rim with an apple or lime slice and dip. Rim just before serving so the sugar stays crisp, and only coat half the rim if you want to control sweetness.

Make a pitcher for a party

Scale the tequila, cider, Cointreau, and lime by your headcount and stir in a pitcher without ice; refrigerate. Pour over fresh ice to order and rim glasses with cinnamon sugar just before serving so they stay crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an apple cider margarita?

A fall margarita that swaps in apple cider for the usual sweetener, built on tequila, lime, and orange liqueur with a cinnamon-sugar rim.

Do I use fresh cider or hard cider?

Fresh, non-alcoholic apple cider gives the cleanest apple flavor. Hard cider works but is boozier and fizzier, so cut back on the sweet liqueur.

What tequila is best?

An anejo like SWOL Anejo; its caramel and oak match baked-apple flavor.

How do I make the cinnamon-sugar rim?

Combine ground cinnamon and sugar, wet the rim with an apple slice, and dip just before serving.

Can I serve it frozen?

Yes. Blend the same measures with 1 cup ice and a little extra cider, then rim with cinnamon sugar.

Can I make a big batch?

Yes. Stir everything except ice in a pitcher, chill, and pour over ice to order.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Yes. Skip the tequila and Cointreau, use apple cider and lime, and top with ginger ale for an apple cider mocktail.

Apple Cider Margarita TIPS

Perfect the Rim & Spice It Up

To get a thick, even cinnamon sugar rim, make sure the glass lip is well-moistened with lime before dipping, then press gently into the sugar instead of just dipping fast. For a warm spice twist, lightly toast the cinnamon sticks before garnishing to release their oils and aroma. Bonus: sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra seasonal touch.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$89.99

$109.99

Sale

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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