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Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews
  • Author: Jake
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Shake to Combine: Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar and salt.
  5. 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

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Find it online: https://platedbyjake.com/smoky-harvest-apple-cider-margarita-recipe/