Description
A cozy fall twist on the margarita, made with smoky mezcal (or tequila), apple cider, lime juice, and a cinnamon-sugar rim. Warm, citrusy, and perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz mezcal (or tequila for a lighter version)
- 2 oz apple cider
- 1 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz maple syrup or agave (optional, for added sweetness)
- Ice cubes
For the Rim & Garnish:
- Cinnamon + sugar + pinch of smoked paprika (for rim)
- Apple slices
- Cinnamon stick
- Lime wedge
Instructions
- Rim a glass with lime juice and dip into cinnamon-sugar-smoked paprika mixture. Fill with ice. Prepare the glass by rimming it with the cinnamon-sugar-smoked paprika mixture. Fill the glass with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine mezcal, apple cider, orange liqueur, lime juice, and maple syrup if using. Mix mezcal, apple cider, orange liqueur, lime juice, and maple syrup in a shaker.
- Add ice and shake vigorously until chilled. Shake the mixture with ice until well-chilled.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice. Pour the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with apple slices, lime wedge, or a cinnamon stick. Add apple slices, lime wedge, or a cinnamon stick as garnish.
Notes
- Mezcal gives this drink its signature smoky flavor, but tequila works too.
- Add a splash of ginger beer for a sparkling finish.
- Batch-friendly: multiply recipe by 6 and serve in a pitcher with apple slices for garnish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks / Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Mexican-American / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
