Apple cider gives a margarita an autumn flavour while fresh lime keeps it tart. This version uses reposado tequila, orange liqueur and a small measure of maple syrup. Choose still, nonalcoholic apple cider; sparkling hard cider changes both the mixing method and the strength.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) reposado tequila
- 2 oz (60 ml) still, nonalcoholic apple cider
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) triple sec or another orange liqueur
- 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) maple syrup
- 1 tsp sugar mixed with a pinch each of cinnamon and salt, for the rim (optional)
- 1 thin apple wedge and 1 lime wedge, for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- If using a rim, moisten half the edge of a double rocks glass with lime. Dip that half into the cinnamon-sugar-and-salt mixture.
- Fill the glass with fresh ice.
- Measure the tequila, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur and maple syrup into a shaker.
- Add ice to the shaker, seal, and shake for about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain over the ice in the prepared glass. Add the optional apple wedge and serve with the lime wedge.
Serve in
Double rocks glass
Preparation notes
- Apple cider means cloudy, unfermented apple juice here. In places where cider usually means an alcoholic drink, look for still cloudy apple juice instead.
- Cider varies greatly in sweetness. Taste it before mixing; the small maple measure is a starting point rather than a requirement for every cider.
- A half rim lets you choose between a sweet-salty edge and the plain glass. Keep loose cinnamon out of the shaker unless you want visible spice in the drink.
- For a larger batch, combine the measured ingredients without ice and refrigerate. Shake individual servings with ice when ready, rather than allowing a pitcher of melting ice to dilute the whole batch.
Recipe references
- An October home-cocktail discussion on cider margaritas. Seasonal inspiration; the quantities and rim above are DrinkSpin's version.
- October seasonal event menu. A recent example of apple cider moving into seasonal cocktails.
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