Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita Recipe
Introduction
This Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita is a perfect blend of warm autumn flavors with a touch of smoky mezcal. It’s a refreshing and cozy twist on the classic margarita, ideal for festive gatherings or a relaxing evening.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt, for the rim
- 2 ounces mezcal or silver tequila
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) apple cider
- Juice from 1/2 a lime
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Apple slices, for serving
- Cinnamon sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: If desired, prepare the rim by mixing equal parts cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into the cinnamon sugar and salt mixture to coat.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine the mezcal or tequila, orange liqueur, apple cider, fresh lime juice, and maple syrup. Add ice and shake well until chilled and mixed.
- Step 3: Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. For an extra smoky touch, you can carefully light the cinnamon stick on fire before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use silver tequila for a milder, less smoky flavor if you prefer.
- Adjust maple syrup to your taste for sweetness balance.
- Try adding a splash of fresh orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Substitute cinnamon sticks for star anise to vary the spice notes.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare the mixture (without ice) in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before serving. Avoid storing garnished drinks to keep flavors fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular tequila instead of mezcal?
Yes, silver tequila is a great substitute if you prefer a less smoky flavor, though the characteristic smokiness of mezcal adds a unique depth to this cocktail.
How do I make the cinnamon sugar rim stick to the glass?
Run a lime wedge around the glass rim before dipping it into the cinnamon sugar and salt mixture. The lime juice acts as a natural adhesive for the rim coating.
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Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
This Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita is a cozy, autumn-inspired cocktail combining smoky mezcal or silver tequila with crisp apple cider, zesty lime juice, and a touch of sweet maple syrup. Finished with a cinnamon sugar and sea salt rim, garnished with apple slices, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks, this drink offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tart flavors ideal for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Rim
- Equal parts cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt (for rimming the glass)
For the Cocktail
- 2 ounces mezcal or silver tequila
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) apple cider
- Juice from 1/2 a lime
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
For Garnish
- Apple slices
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Prepare the Rim: Mix equal parts cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt in a small dish. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar and sea salt mixture to coat evenly. Set the glass aside.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of mezcal or silver tequila, 1/2 ounce of orange liqueur, 4 ounces of apple cider, juice from half a lime, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of maple syrup depending on your preference for sweetness. Add ice to fill the shaker.
- Shake to Combine: Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients thoroughly.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar and salt.
- Garnish and Smoke: Garnish the drink with apple slices, a rosemary sprig, and a cinnamon stick. For an optional smoky effect, carefully light the cinnamon stick on fire just before serving, then extinguish it after a few seconds to impart a subtle smoky aroma.
Notes
- Use mezcal for a smoky flavor or silver tequila for a smoother taste.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity to control sweetness to your liking.
- The cinnamon stick can be safely lit to create a smoky aroma, but supervise carefully and extinguish promptly.
- Chilling the glass before preparation enhances the drinking experience.
- This cocktail is perfect for fall or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, mezcal cocktail, smoky margarita, autumn drinks, maple syrup cocktail, holiday cocktail
