Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
Author: Tieghan Gerard (Half-Baked Harvest)
This margarita is easy.
First, you are going to make a cinnamon sugar rim on your glass. It might not seem necessary, but it’s salty, sweet, and the perfect rim for this fall margarita. Plus, it’s pretty, and that really counts for something to me.
Next, find your favorite bottle of smoky mezcal. Or if you can’t stand mezcal (some love it, some hate it), use your favorite blanco tequila. But the mezcal is what gives this margarita its smokiness.
Now, add a splash of triple sec, a good amount of fresh apple cider, a little citrusy lime, and sweeten it up with maple. Shake and strain into glasses.
SIMPLE. But SO GOOD.
If you want to make this margarita “extra” special. Add the garnishes…
Meaning, apple slices, a sprig of rosemary, and most importantly, a smoking cinnamon stick. It’s fun, it adds smokiness, smells incredible, and you really just need to do it.
Ingredients
Cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt, for the rim
2 ounces mezcal or silver tequila
1/2 ounce orange liquor
4 ounces (1/2 cup) apple cider
1-2 teaspoons maple syrup use more or less to your taste
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks, for serving
Instructions
1. If desired, rim your glass in salted cinnamon sugar. Mix equal parts cinnamon sugar and sea salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and coat in sugar.
2. Combine the mezcal or tequila, orange liquor, apple cider, lime juice, and maple in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake to combine. Strain into the glass. Garnish with apple slices, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks. If desired light the cinnamon on fire for a smoky effect.
The Perfect Pairings
Check out these products to go along with your recipe.
