Apple Cider Margarita

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The second September 1st arrives, I’m in full fall mode—cozy sweaters, pumpkin cream cold brew, and of course, apple everything. This Apple Cider Margarita is my favorite way to toast the season: crisp, festive, and just the right amount of cozy.

A glass of orange cocktail on ice, garnished with two apple slices and a cinnamon stick, sits on a wooden surface with apples, an orange, and a lime in the background, lit by warm sunlight.

Fall's New Favorite Cocktail

The -ber months are my absolute favorite - I get giddy just thinking about them! The chill in the air, the leaves changing, football games, pumpkin everything. If you’re not a fan of fall, I have some serious questions…

This Apple Cider Margarita is basically all those cozy, snuggly vibes bottled up with a splash of booze and poured over ice. Ahhh, the best! ’m literally making the “gosh-this-tastes-so-good” face as I type this. You know that feeling you got as a kid jumping into a pile of leaves? This is the grown-up, 21+ version of that 🍂

A woman with long red hair, wearing a brown sweater and jeans, smiles while standing in a modern kitchen beside a counter with fresh lettuce and hibachi steak bowls. Marble backsplash and gold kitchen accents are visible in the background.

A person sits cross-legged in a meditation pose with their hands resting on their knees, peacefully imagining delicious hibachi steak bowls. The simple black outline contrasts against a white background.

You will also love my pumpkin spice espresso martini, pumpkin bourbon smash cocktail, smoked bourbon apple cider cocktail, and my spicy vodka recipes!

Things you need for this cocktail

A top view of labeled ingredients for a drink: a jug of apple cider, a glass of orange juice, a shot of tequila, a bowl of sea salt, a glass of agave, and a whole lime on a woven surface.

Apple cider - Real life, fresh from the orchard kind of apple cider is what we're looking for here. Most grocery stores have a local apple cider once the fall decor hits the shelves. If you can find apple juice with no added sugar, that will work in a pinch (but trust, once you try this with real cider you won't go back).
Tequila - A margarita's best friend! Blanco tequila is preferred and if you're more of a smokey drink person, try this with mezcal (it's SO good)!
Orange juice - Just like the apple cider, we want real life straight from the fruit orange juice. This gives the drink the more potent pop of citrus. If you have a jug that's 100% orange juice, that will work too.
Agave - To sweeten the drink just a tad. Use honey or maple syrup as substitutes.

Let's Make an Apple Cider Margarita!

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions for this recipe are in the recipe card below.

A clear glass sits on a wooden surface, with its rim coated in a brown, granular spice or sugar mixture. The background is dimly lit, with blurred fruit and a small candle visible. — **Step 1** : Rim the cocktail glass.

A mason jar filled with iced orange-colored drink sits on a wooden surface, next to a lit candle and a bowl of oranges and limes in the background. — **Step 2** : Shake drink ingredients with ice.

A glass of iced orange-yellow cocktail garnished with two apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and a spiced rim, set on a wooden surface with a lit candle and apples in the background. — **Step 3** : Pour into the cocktail glass with ice and enjoy!

Have Friends? Make it a batch!

The recipe below makes one cocktail, but trust me—you’ll want more than that. If you’re hosting friends or throwing a cozy fall get-together, just mix up a big batch in a pitcher. Skip the ice in the pitcher (unless you’re serving immediately) so it doesn’t get watered down. When it’s party time, just pour over ice!

Rim Variations

Cinnamon + Sea salt rim - my personal favorite
Cinnamon + Sugar rim
Pumpkin spice + Sugar rim
Chai spice + Sugar rim
Caramel rim (like this)

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use apple juice or apple cider?

While both come from apples, they taste different. Apple cider is less filtered and has a stronger flavor and darker color. I prefer apple cider for a cocktail like this.

Can I use spiced apple cider?

Definitely! It'll add more fall flavor to the drink effortlessly.

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PS : If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star review and comment below! Also be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date on all tasty recipes here at The Fit Peach!

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