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Easy Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Margaritas with Cinnamon Rim

Spiced apple cider margaritas - featured image
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A perfect fall cocktail combining tart lime, smooth tequila, and sweet-spiced apple cider with a warm cinnamon-sugar rim. Ready in under 10 minutes, this crowd-pleasing drink is ideal for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces tequila blanco (e.g., Espolòn or Casamigos)
  • 3 ounces apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • ½ ounce maple syrup (optional, Grade A for lighter flavor)
  • Ice (for shaking and serving)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Lime wedge (for rimming glass)
  • Apple slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
  • Star anise (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cinnamon rim: On a small plate, mix together 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, rotating gently to coat evenly. Tap off any excess and set aside.
  2. Juice the limes: Roll limes on the countertop with your palm before cutting to release more juice. Cut in half and juice until you have enough fresh lime juice (about 1 ounce per drink, roughly half a lime).
  3. Measure and combine: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 ounces tequila, 3 ounces apple cider, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ounce orange liqueur, and ½ ounce maple syrup (if using).
  4. Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty cold.
  5. Prepare the glass: Fill the rimmed glass with fresh ice cubes (or one large ice cube for slower melting).
  6. Strain and pour: Remove the shaker lid and strain the margarita into the prepared glass. If you don’t have a strainer, hold the lid slightly ajar to let liquid through while blocking ice.
  7. Garnish and serve: Add a thin apple slice to the rim, drop in a cinnamon stick if desired, and serve immediately. The cinnamon stick doubles as a stirrer.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lime juice—bottled juice won’t give the same brightness. Chill glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before rimming to keep the rim crisp. Adjust sweetness to taste; some apple ciders are sweeter than others. For a party, multiply ingredients and mix in a pitcher without ice, then refrigerate until serving. The cinnamon-sugar rim should be applied just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, cinnamon rim margarita, apple cider drink, easy margarita recipe, Thanksgiving cocktail, holiday drink

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/easy-cozy-spiced-apple-cider-margaritas-with-cinnamon-rim/