Apple Cider Margarita

Easy apple cider margarita recipe. Combine tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and apple cider. Shake, strain, and serve with a cinnamon stick.

We’re putting a twist on the classic margarita by adding apple cider to make our Apple Cider Margarita.

Grab the recipe down below.

Apple Cider Margarita – Fall Margarita Recipe

And one margarita will rule them all.

No, this isn’t quite a quote from Lord of the Rings, but it is definitely a nod to my favorite end-of-the-summer cocktail.

With the shortening days comes the beginning of fall and all things apple cider.

If you’re looking for the perfect fall cocktail, this frozen Apple Cider Margarita checks all the boxes.

It combines crisp apple cider, tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, and warm apple pie spice into a refreshing drink that’s equally at home on the Thanksgiving table, at a football tailgate, or around the fire pit with friends.

The sweet-tart apple flavor balances beautifully with the citrus and tequila, making this a seasonal twist on the classic margarita that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Whether you’re mixing a couple of drinks for date night or blending a large batch for a crowd, this recipe is simple to customize and can be prepared ahead for stress-free entertaining.

But that is not all; I added a few additional ingredients.

I used a bit of light brown sugar and a dash of apple pie spice. 

You might also like our Pumpkin Spice Margarita

Four ounces! Yes!

I have a secret weapon when it comes to making these delicious cocktails, and it’s Grand Marnier Liqueur.

It adds a subtle orange-citrus flavor that complements the apple cider superbly!

I love apple cider, don’t you? And did you know it makes a really good margarita, too?

Pick your favorite seasonal apple cider, put on your mixology cap, and shake things up a bit!

Also, did you know that longer-aged tequila, like Añejo and Reposado, makes the best margaritas? 

Our Apple Cider Margarita goes perfectly with our Sweet Corn Pico de Gallo. It’s like it was meant to be!

How to make an Apple Cider Margarita

Ingredients:

Makes two servings

• 4 ounces tequila
• 3 ounces Grand Marnier Liqueur
• 6 ounces fresh apple cider
• 2 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp apple pie spice 
• 3 cups of ice
• Margarita salt
• 1 lime wedge for rimming the glasses

Directions:

Run a lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass, then dip the rim into margarita salt. Set the glasses aside.

1. Add 3 cups of ice, tequila, Grand Marnier Liqueur, apple cider, light brown sugar, apple pie spice, and freshly squeezed lime juice into a blender.
2. Close the lid and pulse until the mixture resembles a slush.
3. Pour into salt-rimmed margarita glasses. (Note: If you want to switch it up, lightly dust the top with apple pie spice and garnish with apple slices, lime wheels, or a cinnamon stick.)
4. Serve.

Note: If you want a thicker frozen margarita, add a little more ice. 

What is the substitute for Grand Marnier Liqueur? 

If you can not find Grand Marnier Liqueur, that is okay.

Swap it with Triple Sec or Curaçao.

Just make sure to use equal parts of either substitute in the recipe. 

What if I don’t have a blender? 

If you do not have a blender, you can mix by shaking the ingredients in a cocktail shaker or even a sealed mason jar.

One thing to note is that this is a slush-style margarita

. But if you don’t have a blender, you can pour the cocktail over ice if you want, instead of a slush apple cider margarita. 

Are margaritas strong in alcohol? 

You are going to find that, yes, margaritas can be strong in alcohol.

If you want to make it stronger, add another shot of tequila to the drink and stir to combine.

The best part about this recipe is that you control how much alcohol you use. 

Can you store leftover margaritas? 

The ice in the cocktail is going to melt and water down your margarita quite a bit.

You will find it is best to be served fresh. But if you happen to have leftovers, you can refrigerate for 1-2 days.

Just know the flavor will be lighter since the ice melts. 

Can I make Apple Cider Margaritas ahead of time?

For sure! Apple cider margaritas are a great make-ahead cocktail for fall entertaining.

Tip: If you’re serving a crowd, combine the tequila, Grand Marnier, apple cider, fresh lime juice, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice up to 24 hours in advance.

Store the mixture in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator. Wait to add the ice until you’re ready to serve so the cocktail doesn’t become watered down.

For frozen margaritas, pour the mixed ingredients (without the ice) into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Before serving, let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes, then blend with fresh ice until smooth and slushy.

Fresh-Pressed vs. Store-Bought Apple Cider

Both fresh-pressed and store-bought apple cider work well, but they each bring something different to the glass.

Fresh-pressed apple cider from a local orchard or farmers market delivers a richer, more robust apple flavor with natural sweetness and a fuller body. If it’s available, it’s our first choice for the best-tasting fall margarita.

Store-bought refrigerated apple cider is a convenient option that offers consistent flavor year-round.

Tip: Choose a high-quality refrigerated cider with no added sweeteners whenever possible. Avoid sparkling apple cider, as the carbonation changes the texture of a frozen margarita.

Try a Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Want something a little sweeter than a traditional salted rim? A cinnamon sugar rim pairs beautifully with the warm spices in this cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Lime wedge

Directions:

1. Stir together the sugar and cinnamon on a small plate.
2. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass.
3. Dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
4. Fill the glass with the frozen margarita and enjoy.

For a sweet-and-salty version, combine equal parts margarita salt and cinnamon sugar.

How to make Apple Cider Margaritas for a crowd

This recipe is easy to scale for holiday gatherings, football watch parties, Friendsgiving, tailgates, and fall celebrations.
Serves 8 (about 8 cocktails)

• 16 ounces tequila
• 12 ounces Grand Marnier
• 24 ounces apple cider
• 8 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice

1. Mix everything and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Blend individual servings with ice for frozen margaritas, or pour over ice for an easy on-the-rocks version.

For even larger parties, simply double or triple the recipe while keeping the same proportions.

Our Favorite Tequilas for Apple Cider Margaritas

A quality tequila makes all the difference. We recommend using a smooth blanco tequila that lets the apple cider shine.

• Patrón Silver
• Sauza Silver
• Espolòn Blanco
• Olmeca Altos Plata
• Casamigos Blanco

If you prefer a richer cocktail with notes of vanilla and oak, a reposado tequila is another excellent option.

Serving Tips

Presentation makes this fall cocktail even more memorable and photo-worthy. 

• Serve your apple cider margaritas in classic margarita glasses with a salted or cinnamon sugar rim.
• Garnish with thin apple slices, fresh lime wheels, or a cinnamon stick for a festive finish.
• A cocktail shaker, citrus juicer, and salt rimmer are helpful tools to have on hand when making margaritas at home, especially if you’re mixing drinks for guests.
• Pair with our Homemade Apple Cider Donuts With Pan-Fried Apples

Love Margaritas? Be sure to check out the other margaritas on the blog:

Cherry + Rhubarb Margarita

Strawberry + Pineapple Margarita

Sweet Star Spangled Vodka Margarita

The Guava Watermelon Margarita

Raspberry Margarita

Apple Cider Margarita

Easy apple cider margarita recipe. Combine tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and apple cider. Shake, strain, and serve with a cinnamon stick.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Cocktails

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2

Calories: 493kcal

Author: D. Durand Worthey

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Ingredients

 

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• 4 ounces tequila
• 3 ounces Grand Marnier Liqueur
• 6 ounces apple cider
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp apple pie spice
• 3 cups of ice
• Margarita salt

Instructions

• Run a lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass, then dip the rim into margarita salt. Set the glasses aside.
• Add 3 cups of ice, tequila, Grand Marnier Liqueur, apple cider, light brown sugar, apple pie spice, and fresh-squeezed lime juice into a blender.
• Close the lid and pulse until the mixture resembles a slush.
  
• Pour into salt-rimmed margarita glasses.
• Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 493kcal

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