Description
This cozy spiced apple cider margarita for two is the perfect fall cocktail, combining tart lime, sweet apple cider, and warming spices for a hug in a glass. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to feel like a celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz (60 ml) Silver Tequila
- 1 oz (30 ml) Orange Liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 3 oz (90 ml) Fresh Apple Cider
- 1 oz (30 ml) Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) Spiced Simple Syrup
- For the Spiced Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup (100 g) Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) Water
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 5–6 Whole Cloves
- 3 Allspice Berries
- For the Cinnamon-Sugar Rim:
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) Coarse Sugar (like turbinado or demerara)
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) Ground Cinnamon
- Pinch of Flaky Sea Salt
- Lime wedge, for wetting the rim
- For Garnish:
- Thin Apple Slices (Fuji or Honeycrisp work great)
- Optional: A small cinnamon stick or star anise for a pretty presentation
Instructions
- Make the Spiced Simple Syrup (Do this first!): In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of water, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5-6 whole cloves, and 3 allspice berries. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let it boil rapidly. Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes. The syrup will thicken slightly and the spices will infuse the liquid. Remove from the heat and let…
- Prep the Glasses: While the syrup is cooling, prepare your glasses. On a small, shallow dish, mix 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass to moisten it. Gently dip the rim of each glass into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, rotating it to ensure an even coat. Set the glasses aside.
- Combine the Cocktail Ingredients: Fill your cocktail shaker with a generous amount of ice—about ¾ full. Add 2 oz of silver tequila, 1 oz of orange liqueur, 3 oz of fresh apple cider, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and ½ oz of the cooled spiced simple syrup.
- Shake It Like You Mean It: Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. You want to hear the ice clattering around. This not only chills the drink quickly but also properly dilutes it, which is crucial for a balanced cocktail. The outside of the shaker should feel very cold and frosty.
- Strain and Serve: Fill your prepared glasses with fresh ice. Place a fine-mesh strainer over the top of one glass and pour the cocktail through it. The strainer will catch any small chips of ice and any stray bits of spice that might have escaped from the syrup. Divide the cocktail evenly between both glasses.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish each glass with a thin slice of fresh apple. You can fan the slices out for a pretty look or just drop one right in. For an extra cozy touch, add a small cinnamon stick or a star anise to the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your (very minimal) labor.
Notes
Make the spiced simple syrup ahead of time to save time. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Double strain for a silky texture. Adjust sweetness to taste. Don’t over-shake; 15-20 seconds is ideal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 50
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: spiced apple cider margarita, apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, margarita for two, cozy cocktail, apple cider drink, tequila cocktail