I ❤ margaritas and this is one of one of my go-to cocktails in the Fall.

This Apple Cider Margarita perfectly blends crisp apple cider with zesty lemon juice, smooth tequila, and a bubbly splash of lemon-flavored sparkling water.

The salted rim adds a special touch to the sweet and tangy flavors (of course, you can skip it), making it a festive favorite in my house… and at my adult parties!

While this recipe is designed to make a single-serve cocktail, it’s easy to scale up if you’re hosting friends—you can choose to make an entire pitcher or set up a DIY margarita station with salted glasses, ice, and all the ingredients so everyone can mix their own autumn-inspired creation. Cinnamon sticks add a cozy twist, if you have any on hand!

Whether you enjoy this as a solo treat or make it for a festive gathering, it’ll bring all the fall vibes to your tastebuds!

Looking for a warmer-weather margarita? Try my Watermelon Margarita Pops!

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Apple Cider Margarita

This Apple Cider Margarita is one of my go-to cocktails in the Fall!
Yield: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • Lemon wedge, for rimming the glass
  • Kosher or coarse salt, for optional rim
  • Ice cubes
  • 2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice, ~1 lemon
  • 2 to 3 ounces apple cider, adjust for preferred sweetness
  • 2 ounces tequila blanco
  • 2 ounces lemon-flavored sparkling water, (seltzer)
  • Optional: Dash of cinnamon or cinnamon sticks

Instructions
 

Prepare the glass

  • Take a small wedge of lemon and run it around the rim of your glass to moisten it. On a small plate, spread an even layer of salt. Gently press the glass rim into the salt at a 45° angle, coating only the outside of the rim to keep the salt out of your drink.

Build the margarita

  • Fill the glass with ice (crushed or cubes). Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, apple cider, tequila, and lemon sparkling water or seltzer. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding a little more apple cider if desired. For a delish variation, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top for a cozy, spiced twist. Garnish with a lemon wedge, and enjoy!

Notes

To scale the recipe up
• Quadruple the ingredients to fill a pitcher for a crowd. Or set up a margarita bar and everyone can make their own!
Variations
• For sweeter sip, use a cinnamon-sugar rim instead of salt. Just mix ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon + 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar and use that in place of salt.
Nutrition
Math does not include salt rim.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 1 glassCalories: 170Carbohydrates: 11gProtein: 0gTotal Fat: 0g— Unsaturated Fat: 0g— Saturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgFiber: 0gTotal Sugar: 8g— Natural Sugar: 8g— Added Sugar: 0gVitamin C: 24mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!