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Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Margarita Recipe: Easy Fall Drink

caramel apple cider margarita - featured image

A quick and easy fall cocktail that combines apple cider, tequila, and caramel for a cozy, delicious drink that comes together in under 5 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz tequila blanco or reposado
  • 3 oz apple cider (unfiltered)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (plus more for rimming)
  • Ice
  • Cinnamon sugar (for rimming, optional)
  • Apple slices or cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glass rim: Pour a thin layer of caramel sauce onto a small plate. On another plate, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Dip the rim of your glass into the caramel sauce, then immediately into the cinnamon sugar. Twist gently to coat evenly. Let it sit for 30 seconds to set.
  2. Fill the glass with ice. Use standard cubes, not crushed. Fill the glass almost to the top.
  3. Add the tequila: Pour 2 ounces (about 1.5 standard shots) over the ice.
  4. Add the apple cider: Pour 3 ounces (about 2 standard shots) into the glass. The cider should be cold from the fridge.
  5. Add the lime juice: Squeeze 1 ounce of fresh lime juice into the glass. Strain out any seeds as you pour.
  6. Add the caramel: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce into the drink. Don’t stir yet—let it sink to the bottom for a moment.
  7. Stir gently: Use a bar spoon or chopstick to stir the drink 5-6 times. You want to incorporate the caramel without breaking up the ice too much.
  8. Garnish and serve: Add an apple slice or cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, swap tequila with sparkling water or ginger beer. For a spiced version, add a cinnamon stick and star anise to the glass. For a bourbon swap, replace tequila with bourbon. The caramel rim is best done fresh; it will soften after about an hour. Batch prep: mix tequila, apple cider, and lime juice in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add caramel and ice just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, easy margarita, apple cider drink, tequila cocktail