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Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Margarita: Best Fall Happy Hour

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A crisp, warm, and cozy fall cocktail that combines apple cider, silver tequila, and a chai spice rim for a drink that feels like a hug in a glass. Perfect for happy hour or any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz silver tequila
  • 3 oz apple cider (unfiltered, fresh-pressed preferred)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • ½ oz maple syrup (pure)
  • Ice (preferably large cubes)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (granulated or turbinado)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Lime wedge (for rimming)
  • Thin apple slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
  • Star anise (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chai spice rim: In a small, shallow dish, combine the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, and cloves. Mix well with a fork until evenly distributed.
  2. Rim the glasses: Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of each glass. Dip the wet rim into the chai spice mixture, rotating gently to coat evenly. Tap off any excess. Set the glasses aside.
  3. Juice the lime: Roll the lime on the counter with your palm before cutting. Cut in half and juice until you have 1 oz.
  4. Combine ingredients in the shaker: Add the silver tequila, apple cider, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and maple syrup to your cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker about halfway with ice.
  5. Shake vigorously: Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty cold.
  6. Strain and pour: Fill your rimmed glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses, dividing evenly.
  7. Garnish and serve: Drop a thin apple slice into each glass, add a cinnamon stick for stirring, and float a star anise on top if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

The chai spice rim is key to making this drink special. Shake, don’t stir, to properly incorporate the maple syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness based on your apple cider. Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep the drink colder longer. For a crowd, batch the liquid ingredients (without ice) in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider margarita, fall cocktail, happy hour drink, spiced margarita, chai spice rim, tequila cocktail, autumn drink

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-spiced-apple-cider-margarita-best-fall-happy-hour/