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Jump into the season with a fall margarita! The combination of tequila, fresh lime, and spiced apple cider syrup can’t be beat.
Here’s a fall cocktail to add to your list this season: the fall margarita! A spiced apple cider syrup infuses this simple drink with major fall nostalgia. Add fresh lime and tequila, and it’s the season’s signature drink!
Whip it up as a single drink, or make a big pitcher to share with a crowd. Either way, it’s a cocktail to impress!
Ingredients Needed
The fall margarita is a spin on the classic margarita, one of the world’s most famous cocktails. This iconic drink was most likely invented in Mexico in the 1930’s. Margarita means “daisy” in Spanish; the Daisy is a historic family of drinks with base liquor, orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau), lemon juice, and soda water.
For the fall version of this drink, I substituted apple cider syrup for the orange liqueur, and it works surprisingly well. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ounces tequila reposado (or tequila blanco)
- 1 ounce apple cider syrup
- ½ ounce lime juice
- For the glass: kosher salt, clear ice, and cinnamon stick or apple slices
Making Apple Cider Syrup
The apple cider syrup is what makes this fall margarita sing! Adding apple syrup to a cocktail waters it down, but apple cider syrup infuses apple and cinnamon flavor as well as sweetness. It’s the perfect glue that holds this drink together! Here are a few things to note:
- It takes 30 minutes to make. Boil apple cider with sugar and a cinnamon stick on the stovetop for 30 to 35 minutes, until reduced and syrupy.
- Make a batch in advance. This is an easy component to make in advance and refrigerate until serving. It stores up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
- Make a double batch for a pitcher. If you’re making 8 drinks, make 1.5 times or a double batch of the syrup! You’ll have leftover syrup, but the single recipe makes only ¾ cup.
Notes on Clear Ice
Clear ice is the final component for the best fall margarita! It’s crystal clear ice that makes your drink look like it came from a fancy bar. Cut it into large, organic chunks to take your cocktails to the next level. Here’s how to make it:
- Use a small cooler for 24 hours. Go to How to Make Clear Ice and make a batch the night before. Once it’s frozen overnight, you can cut it into chunks.
- Alternatively, use a clear ice tray. There are now many clear ice trays and makers on the market. Try this ClearlyFrozen Home Clear Ice Maker!
Serve a Crowd
Want to make fall margaritas for a crowd? Make a fall margarita pitcher! This simple blend of the ingredients makes 8 drinks and you don’t have to dirty a cocktail shaker. Stir the following ingredients together in a pitcher, then pour into the prepared glasses:
- 2 cups tequila
- 1 cup apple cider syrup (make 1.5 or 2 times the recipe below!)
- ½ cup lime juice
- 3 handfuls ice
And that’s it! This fall margarita is perfect for any occasion, from a fall gathering to Thanksgiving to Halloween. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! Make a big pitcher to share with friends, and let me know what you think in the comments below.
Fall Margarita
Jump into the season with a fall margarita! The combination of tequila, fresh lime, and spiced apple cider syrup can’t be beat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Syrup Prep: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the fall margarita
- 2 ounces tequila reposado (or tequila blanco)
- 1 ounce apple cider syrup (see below)
- ½ ounce lime juice
- For the glass: kosher salt, clear ice, and cinnamon stick or apple slices (optional)
For the apple cider syrup (makes ¾ cup)
- 4 cups apple cider
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Make the apple cider syrup: Place the apple cider, granulated sugar and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a low boil, then maintain a low boil for 30 to 35 minutes until reduced to ¾ cup. Use immediately or refrigerate until using (stores up to 2 weeks refrigerated).
- Prepare the glass: Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt.
- Make a single drink: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake until cold.
- Serve: Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with clear ice. If desired, garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slices.
- For a margarita pitcher (8 servings): Place 2 cups tequila, 1 cup apple cider syrup (make 1.5 or 2 times the recipe above!), and ½ cup lime juice in a pitcher. Add 3 handfuls ice and stir until cold. Pour into the prepared glasses.
Let us know if you have any questions!