It was Thanksgiving 2023, my second year not having AG with me for the holiday. I didn’t feel like traveling, and honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted Thanksgiving to look like that year.
Enter my chosen family, the McIntyres. They had hosted AG and me plenty of times over the years, but we had never actually spent a holiday together. Knowing I’d otherwise be sitting at home twiddling my thumbs, my bestie Taty invited me to spend Thanksgiving with them. And when we get together, you already know a drink is usually involved!
So, we decided to give this Apple Cider Margarita a try and it did not disappoint. It has just the right amount of kick to sip on while prepping the greens, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or waiting for that Thanksgiving brisket to finish.
And because there’s always room to make a good thing even better, this margarita can easily be made spicy or sparkling, too!
Basically, it’s Thanksgiving in a glass, with a little tequila to keep things interesting.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Rim
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Lime wedge, for the rim
For the Margarita
2 oz tequila
3 oz apple cider
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
Ice
Apple slices or a cinnamon stick, for garnish
Directions
Make the rim: Combine the sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated. Fill the glass with ice.
Make the margarita: Add the tequila, apple cider, lime juice, Cointreau or triple sec, and ice to a cocktail shaker.
Shake: Cover and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds, or until well chilled.
Pour: Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
Garnish: Add an apple slice or cinnamon stick and enjoy!
Make It Spicy 🌶️
Want a little kick? Add 2–3 jalapeño slices to the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Shake as directed, then strain. For even more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño.
Make It Bubbly 🥂
For a little fizz, swap the regular apple cider for sparkling apple cider. You can also strain the margarita into your glass as directed, then top with 1–2 oz prosecco or champagne for a festive finish.
Make It Kid Friendly 🍎🍹
Want to include the little ones in the holiday festivities? Turn this Apple Cider Margarita into a festive mocktail! Simply skip the tequila and triple sec, then replace them with a splash of sparkling apple cider or ginger ale for a bubbly, kid-friendly drink. Serve over ice with an apple slice and a cinnamon-sugar rim for a fun, festive sip the whole family can enjoy!
