Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and having fun. Why not spice up the party with a little twist? Apples and tequila might sound like an odd couple, but trust me, they’re the dynamic duo your taste buds never knew they needed. My apple cider margarita is like the unexpected guest at your Thanksgiving table – a little quirky, a lot of fun, and guaranteed to make the celebration unforgettable. After all, who says gratitude can’t be both sweet and a little tipsy? — Eric Handelsman
![Apple Cider Margarita](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/gQbcI3iwjIIHYDeHMiV2gapmzmA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Apple-Cider-Margarita-FT-RECIPE1023-e8c78fb4cb814347a338581fd1e997ca.jpg)
Chelsea Kyle / Food Styling by Drew Aichele
Frequently asked questions
What is Cointreau?
No home bar is complete without a bottle of Cointreau, a strong, sweet, orange-flavored liqueur. Cointreau is key to making a perfect Sidecar, classic Margarita, Singapore Sling, and of course, this Apple Cider Margarita. Here are a few more of our favorite Cointreau cocktails.
What kind of tequila should I use in this cocktail?
For this cocktail, we recommend using blanco tequila, which is also what you’ll want to use in a classic Margarita. Blanco tequila pairs nicely with citrus flavors like lime juice and Cointreau. Not sure where to start? Here are 11 of our favorite blanco tequilas for your next cocktail.
How do I add a sugar rim to my glass?
A sugary or salty rim is a simple way to add a little visual intrigue and flavor to your cocktails. For the Apple Cider Margarita, we recommend running a lime wedge (which you’ll already have on hand) around the outer rim of your coupe glass. Then, slowly dip the rim into a wide bowl or plate filled with cinnamon sugar. Shake off any excess. Be sure to rim your glass as close to when you’ll be serving your drinks as possible to avoid any gummy, unpleasant texture.
Ingredients
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1/2 ounce lime juice
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1/2 ounce Cointreau
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1 ounce tequila
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2 ounces apple cider
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1 cup cinnamon sugar
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1 stick cinnamon sticks
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1 slices apple
Directions
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Add lime juice, Cointreau, tequila, and apple cider to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until combined, about 15 seconds.
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Rim glass with cinnamon sugar by running a lime wedge around the outer lip of your coupe glass. Slowly dip the rim into a wide bowl or plate filled with cinnamon sugar. Shake off any excess.
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Strain shaker into coupe glass. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices, if using.