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Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita, my favorite quick and easy, but oh so warming fall margarita. Smoky mezcal (or tequila) mixed with a splash of orange liquor, spiced apple cider, a touch of citrusy lime, and sweet maple. This autumn harvest margarita is a cozy take on the classic margarita, and the perfect warming fall cocktail to sip on with friends and family. Finish this smoky margarita off with fresh rosemary, apple slices, and a smoking cinnamon stick for that extra special touch.
Because every Saturday is made better with a cocktail in hand, right?
Yes, yes, correct! Happy to be back for yet another HBH Cocktail Saturday recipe! I LOVE these posts so much. And I LOVE this apple cider margarita recipe. It basically has all the things I love about fall flavors, with the addition of tequila and a smoky cinnamon stick. It’s easy to make and so very delicious. Not too sweet, perfectly spiced, and just a touch bit smoky.
So very fall. So very me.
It’s a tried and true favorite and has been my go-to fall margarita for years. This was one of the first “real” drinks that I made for my family a few Octobers back. It was then that I began to have a lot of fun mixing drinks and experimenting with them. Crazy that I’ve now shared so many new cocktails recipes over the last few fall and early winter Saturdays leading up to Christmas.
My next new “test” is a whiskey sour…with an egg white. What are your thoughts…an egg white cocktail? Into them…or not so much?? If you have tips, let me know!
The very quick details…
This margarita is easy.
First, you are going to make a cinnamon sugar rim on your glass. It might not seem necessary, but it’s salty, sweet, and the perfect rim for this fall margarita. Plus, it’s pretty, and that really counts for something to me.
Next, find your favorite bottle of smoky mezcal. Or if you can’t stand mezcal (some love it, some hate it), use your favorite blanco tequila. But the mezcal is what gives this margarita its smokiness.
Now, add a splash of triple sec, a good amount of fresh apple cider, a little citrusy lime, and sweeten it up with maple. Shake and strain into glasses.
SIMPLE. But SO GOOD.
If you want to make this margarita “extra” special. Add the garnishes…
Meaning, apple slices, a sprig of rosemary, and most importantly, a smoking cinnamon stick. It’s fun, it adds smokiness, smells incredible, and you really just need to do it.
And that’s it. Serve this up tonight, tomorrow, or maybe over Halloween. Or, if you’re already planning out your Thanksgiving menu, this makes for a pretty great holiday margarita too!
Looking for something a little spookier? Try last Saturday’s Sleepy Hollow Cocktail!
If you make these smoky harvest apple cider margarita, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita.
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 603 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt, for the rim
- 2 ounces mezcal or silver tequila
- 1/2 ounce orange liquor
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) apple cider
- juice from 1/2 a lime
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup use more or less to your taste
- apple slices and cinnamon sticks, for serving
Instructions
- 1. If desired, rim your glass in salted cinnamon sugar. Mix equal parts cinnamon sugar and sea salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and coat in sugar.2. Combine the mezcal or tequila, orange liquor, apple cider, lime juice, and maple in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake to combine. Strain into the glass. Garnish with apple slices, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks. If desired light the cinnamon on fire for a smoky effect.
Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita Pitcher
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 212 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt, for the rim
- 12 ounces mezcal or silver tequila (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 3-4 ounces orange liquor (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup use more or less to your taste
- apple slices and cinnamon, sticks for serving
Instructions
- 1. In a large pitcher, combine mezcal or tequila, orange liquor, apple cider, lime juice, and maple. Chill until ready to serve.
2. When ready to serve, if desired, rim glasses in salted cinnamon sugar, fill with ice. Pour the margarita into glasses. Garnish with apple slices, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks. If desired light the cinnamon on fire for a smoky effect.
This post was originally published on October 19, 2019
Made these earlier tonight. Family all agreed, Delicious!!!
Thank you Katie! xTieghan
Did you notice the “heart” in your smoking cinnamon stick?
I did not! That is so cute, thank you for pointing it out! xTieghan
Looks good.
I may try this using Traeger brand SMOKED SIMPLE SYRUP instead of maple syrup..that way it has a slight smoky taste. I only have plain tequlia anyway. Taste and if needs maple added a few drops of Maple ext,
thanks. Might get some snow today so perfect drink for evening.
Thank you Leslie! I hope you love this! xTieghan
916 calories for ONE drink??
Hi Julie! So sorry about that. That is for the larger batch. I hope you try this!
I bartend at a tequila bar that has a few mezcal cocktails on the menu. I found that if i do 3/4 oz mezcal and 3/4 oz regular tequila the drink is less likely to get sent back. It takes the smokiness down a notch but its still there. Ill have to give this one a try at work tomorrow!
Ooo thank you for this tip! I hope you love these margaritas Shauna!
Is the Apple cider alcoholic?
I use non-alcoholic cider. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! ?
Apple cider margarita is awesome, made a pitcher and shared it with friends
Great! I am so glad you liked it!
Sounds deliciou – can’t wait to try its! And, yes to December Cocktail Saturdays!
Thank you!
We are big fans of your blog and have purchased your latest cookbook … it is awesome. We have a home decor and furniture business @ vavabode.com (Colorado Springs) and would love to highlight your cocktail on our “Friday at Five” post for our Blog and FB. Let us know if it’s a go. Meanwhile, keep doing what your doing … we are inspired by you each and every day. Nadine + Amy
Thank you so much, Nadine! Means so much! 🙂
That is fine with me and thanks again!
Beautiful!
Where did you find those glasses?
Thank you so much! The glasses are from Crate and Barrel. Here is the link: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/tour-glasses/f47403
I made this last night and I loved it!! I normally don’t make the extra effort to make drinks in the shaker but this one was so worth it. Thank you for sharing!
Ah yay!! So happy it was good!!
Thank you!!
Trying this for our spritzer for our October secret supper society dinner.
Cheers!
Hope you love it!! Thanks!
What a beautiful drink! It looks so warm and comforting and perfect for this season! And yes I can see that during holidays..I love that smoking cinnamon…You sure have the knack for presentation every single time, Tieghan! 😉 I love recipes like this when I go through the list of ingredients and know that I have most of it, if not all then I can make it easily!
So happy you love this one Sheila, thank you so much!
Made the today for the Buffs game. Very yummy!
Perfect! Thank you Beth!
I totally agree with Kate. You are Genius !
Haha thank you!