If pumpkin's not your jam but apple's more your speed, we've got the perfect cocktail for you. Seamlessly transition from summer to fall with this warm apple cider margarita recipe. It'll make bobbing for apples totally worth the effort.
How to Make an Apple Cider Margarita
Step aside apple cider vinegar, there's a new cure-all in town! Okay, we know this apple cider margarita won't cure all your ailments, but it will warm your belly and set your tastebuds alight.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces apple cider
- 1½ ounces mezcal
- ¾ ounce agave syrup
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add apple cider, mezcal, agave syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Cool things off by turning this delicious apple cider margarita recipe into a popsicle. Mix all your ingredients, pour them into a popsicle mold, and pop them in the freezer.
3 Variations or Substitutions to Try
Walking into the liquor store and discovering that they're out of something you need happens to the best of us. Don't let it ruin your fun! Experiment with some of these substitutions instead.
- Use a ½ ounce of allspice dram for an extra spiced flavor.
- Consider using equal parts apple cider and sparkling apple cider for a bubbly effect.
- Add a splash of cinnamon simple syrup for a sweeter, harvest-style taste.
Autumnal Garnishes That Capture the Season
Unlike the equinoxes, garnishes aren't set in stone. You can pick just about anything that catches your eye so long as it complements the feisty flavors at play.
- Use a red apple slice to up the apple factor.
- Consider a green apple slice for a pop of color and a tart taste.
- Smoke or char the cinnamon stick to get some extra flavor and smoky notes that'll complement the mezcal.
- Toss a few pieces of star anise on top to add a darling little detail.
Orchard You Glad You Gave It a Try?
Putting mezcal and apple cider together may seem like something straight out of a Chopped episode, but sometimes the unexpected is surprisingly delicious. While this cocktail does drift away from the traditional margarita, purists can rest easy knowing it stays true to its roots with the mezcal, agave, and citrus juice. It'll only take one sip for you to fall in love with this apple-tastic 'rita.
