With fall just around the corner, today I’m going to teach you something very important: how to make the best apple cider margarita! Cinnamon, cloves, and allspice get infused into apple cider which is then topped off with tequila, brandy, and lemon juice. This apple margarita is perfectly fragrant and reminiscent of your favorite mulled apple cider turned into an adult version worthy of every get together you have from now until Christmas.
I know a lot of people who get so excited when fall arrives to wear big sweaters and eat soup (and I couldn’t agree more – can’t wait!), but I’m also eager to drink this fall margarita. Who knew that tequila and apple cider would be such an incredible combination?
You can make these spiced apple cider margaritas two different ways. You can do a hot version, which kind of stole my heart, or you can go the classic route and add ice and a cinnamon (coconut) sugar rim.
I’m kicking off our fall/winter margaritas with these delicious apple cider margaritas! This tequila apple cider has plenty of fall flavors mingling together. You only need a splash of tequila, and then you can get be cozied up next to a fire with a blanket. It’s essentially fall in a glass.
How To Make An Apple Cider Margarita
Whether you are wanting a hot tequila apple cider cocktail or a classic cold version, I’ve got you covered. Take a peek at how easy it is to make this fall margarita.
Hot Apple Cider Margarita
- Heat your apple cider. Simmer the apple cider in a pan until hot.
- Add the booze and flavor. Pour hot apple cider over tequila, brandy, lemon juice, and honey.
- Add garnishes. Serve warm with a star of anise or cinnamon stick.
Cold Apple Margarita
- Add a sugar-rim to your glass. Cut a lemon wedge and run it around the glass, then dip the cup into a cinnamon-coconut-sugar mixture.
- Mix up the cocktail. Pour in apple cider, tequila, brandy, lemon juice, and honey over ice. Shake until well mixed and chilled.
- Serve. Serve over ice and add star anise or cinnamon stick garnishes.
What Is Star Anise?
Star anise is star-shaped seed pod that is native to China. Star anise is actually shaped like a star, and it adds some character and flavor to my tequila apple cider cocktail. It has a remarkably strong flavor, so just one is enough for each apple cider margarita recipe.
Star anise is sweet, but has a hint of spice, too. It pairs lovely with cinnamon, so it’s the perfect combination for these seasonal margaritas.
Can I Make This Into A Frozen Apple Margarita Cocktail Recipe?
Yes, if you want to try this fall margarita as a frozen drink, go right ahead. Add all the chilled ingredients to a blender with some ice. Pulse until it’s a slushy texture and all the ice has been chopped up.
I have never tried this Thanksgiving margarita blended with ice, but I think it sounds so good, I’m going to have to try it soon. Be sure to let me know if you try this out!
Is Tequila Paleo?
Yes, tequila is, for the most part, paleo. Some people following very strict paleo avoid alcohol altogether, but I believe in moderation.
And, apple tequila margaritas made with natural, paleo friendly ingredients are worth it in my book!
TIP: For paleo tequila, the key is to look for a tequila that is 100% agave.
How Do You Store This Fall Margarita?
If you don’t manage to drink all of the fall margaritas, you can store them in the refrigerator. Shake it a few times before you drink it, then either enjoy it cold or hot.
TIP: Be sure to remove any ice before storing a margarita, so you don’t water it down.
More Paleo Cocktails
If you can’t get enough of this fall margarita, don’t worry I have maaaaany other paleo cocktails to share with you. Take a look at these amazing drinks to try:
- Smoking Blackberry Sage Margarita – This drink is fascinating to watch and tastes even better! A must for Halloween.
- Tequila Berry Splash – Mixed berries, honey, and tequila…oh my!
- Black Cherry Basil Mocktail – Perfect non-alcoholic option.
Fall Apple Cider Margarita Recipe:
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RECIPE CARD
Fall Apple Cider Margarita Recipe
Learn how to make an apple cider margarita (fall margarita) cold or hot, with 5 ingredients! Tequila and apple cider pair perfectly to make a naturally sweetened apple margarita that's ready in minutes.
Ingredients
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- 3 ounces Spiced apple cider (premade or simply add a few cloves, 4 all spice berries, and cinnamon stick and simmer for a few minutes)
- 2 ounces 100% agave tequila
- 1 ounce Brandy
- 1 ounce Lemon juice
- 1 drizzle Honey optional
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming - equal parts cinnamon and coconut sugar
- Cinnamon stick and star anise for garnish
Instructions
More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!
- Hot: Bring the apple cider to a simmer then pour over remaining ingredients in a heat proof glass and garnish.
- Cold: Run a cut lemon along the rim of a glass and dredge in cinnamon sugar. In a cocktail shaker combine the (cooled - if you infused plain apple cider) apple cider, tequila, brandy, lemon juice, and a drizzle of honey if using. Shake well to combine. Strain over ice and garnish.
Recipe Notes
Serving Size: 1 apple cider margarita
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols (though the latter are rarely seen on this site), because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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8 Comments
Vanessa
I never would have thought to mix brandy and tequila, but this drink was divine. My absolute new fall favorite. Pushing it on everyone I know =)
Levan
Two ways for a one-way ticket to my stomach! YES! Perfect for this weekend. Where I will be drinking. Lots and lots of this! 😀
Barrett
Gorgeous pictures and a delicious sounding drink. Can’t wait to try this and I bet is would be great with mezcal too. Pinned.
Lauren
YES!! Mezcal would be amazing!
Debra
YUM! What a fabulous drink – perfect for fall, cheers!
Jennifer Stewart
What a delicious twist on the classic margarita. I used to drink tequila until I woke up with a strange bruise on my forehead so I gave it up for a while. I still can’t do shots, but I can do my fair share of margaritas:) Can’t wait to try this one!
Jenna
Oh my! This drink sounds so cozy and delicious. I want to wrap up in a blanket and drink one right now!!
Jill Silverman Hough
THIS might be my new favorite fall drink! I used to love pumpkin martinis, and once served them at Thanksgiving which gave the gathering a very special kick-off–but then had a hard time finding the pumpkin liqueur I needed for the drink. I think it’d make for a very nice holiday season to spend it deciding whether I like your drink best hot or cold. 🙂