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Spiced Apple Cider Margarita

A warm and bright fall drink combining apple cider, cinnamon, lime, and tequila, this margarita offers a cozy twist on a classic cocktail.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 drinks
Course: Cocktail, Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Margarita
  • 1 cup apple cider preferably fresh or low-sugar
  • 2 ounces blanco tequila per drink
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec) or extra apple cider for lighter option
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice per drink
  • 1/2 ounce cinnamon simple syrup see notes for low sugar
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for garnish
  • Ice
  • Salt or cinnamon-sugar for rim (optional)
For Lighter Options
  • 1/2 ounce water mixed with liquid monk fruit, erythritol, or stevia to taste, replacing cinnamon simple syrup
  • sugar-free orange liqueur or splash of orange extract plus sparkling water for low calorie or low carb version

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix a pinch of salt with cinnamon or use cinnamon-sugar on a small plate.
  2. Rub the lime around the edge of the glass and dip into the rim mix.
  3. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water with 1 cinnamon stick in a small pan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then let cool and remove the stick.
  4. For a lower sugar version, use erythritol or make a water-based syrup with a low-calorie sweetener.
Mixing the Drink
  1. For each drink, add ice, 2 oz tequila, 1 oz orange liqueur (or substitute), 1 oz lime juice, 1 cup apple cider for a pitcher or 3 oz for one drink, and 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds until cold.
  3. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a thin apple slice. Add a lime wheel if desired.

Notes

Store the spiced apple cider mixer in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add tequila and lime when ready to serve. For longer storage, freeze the cider mixture in an ice cube tray. Use frozen cubes in the shaker to chill the drink without watering it down.