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Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Margarita with Cinnamon Salt Rim

cozy spiced apple cider margarita - featured image

A cozy fall cocktail that combines blanco tequila with fresh apple cider, warm cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup, finished with a cinnamon-salt rim. It’s the perfect drink for autumn gatherings, offering a balanced blend of tart, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces blanco tequila (e.g., Espolòn or Casamigos)
  • 3 ounces fresh apple cider (unfiltered, refrigerated)
  • ½ ounce fresh lime juice
  • ½ ounce maple syrup (Grade A amber or Grade B)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Ice cubes (large cubes preferred)
  • Apple slice and cinnamon stick (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Lime wedge (for wetting the rim)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cinnamon salt rim: On a small plate, combine 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and ½ tablespoon granulated sugar. Mix with a fork until evenly distributed. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into the mixture, twisting gently to coat. Tap off any excess. Set aside.
  2. Combine the liquid ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 ounces blanco tequila, 3 ounces fresh apple cider, ½ ounce fresh lime juice, ½ ounce maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
  3. Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker feels very cold.
  4. Strain and pour: If using a fine mesh strainer, hold it over the prepared glass and pour the drink through it to catch any cinnamon clumps. Fill the glass with fresh ice cubes.
  5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a thin apple slice on the rim and a cinnamon stick for stirring. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t use apple juice; unfiltered apple cider is essential for the best flavor. Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink cold longer. The cinnamon salt rim is not optional—it adds crucial flavor and texture. Taste your apple cider first and adjust maple syrup accordingly. For a non-alcoholic version, replace tequila with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spirit.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, spiced margarita, cinnamon salt rim, tequila cocktail, autumn drink, easy cocktail recipe