Apple Cider Margarita

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Keep those summer vibes going while welcoming the chilly autumn season with the Apple Cider Margarita.

It’s always a sad day, closing the pool. The guys from the local aquatic supplies store always come around after Labor Day, filling the water with chemicals to keep it from freezing over the winter. Then that gray cover gets pulled taut and wrenched into place. What once was blue, clear and inviting has now been replaced with the drabbest of sights. And as you store the Tiki torches in the garage and put away all the floaties and toys in the shed, a little pang of sadness hits as you realize a whole year is going to go by until warmth is back and the kids are splashing in the water again, albeit a little taller and older than before.

As the sun begins to set, earlier today than yesterday, you decide a drink is in order. You want something that reminds you of those summer days that literally were here only yesterday. But at the same time, you don’t want to get trapped in nostalgia. Time marches on, and so must you. Maybe a libation that combines the best of both worlds, as the saying goes? A little summer, with a bit of the oncoming autumn, sounds like a good combination.

Moments later, you’re back outside, cocktail in hand. With each sip of your Apple Cider Margarita, you fondly think back on those hot days and the taste of tequila with citrus, standing over a hot grill, turning over those hot dogs at just the right time. And then there’s the cider, creeping in with a tart sweetness reminding you that the coming colder seasons have charms of their own, with memories to make there too.

Yes, time marches on. But soon enough, the pool will be open again.

What is the best tequila to use in an Apple Cider Margarita?

Our recipe suggests a silver tequila, which is unaged, clear and features a lovely earthy, peppery taste that cuts through the other flavors with a nice, satisfying sting. For a richer and more complex sip, try making a few of these with a golden and slightly aged reposado tequila. The robust spices present in that spirit will meld nicely with the notes from the apple cider.

What glassware and garnish are used?

For this margarita, we’ll be using a rocks or Old Fashioned glass. Coat the rim with salt and cinnamon sugar, fill with ice, then garnish with a cinnamon stick and a fresh apple slice once you’re ready to start sipping.

What is a good triple sec to use in this recipe?

Whenever I’m at my buddy’s house and he’s making margaritas, there’s always a large bottle labeled “Triple Sec” sitting in the fridge. A simple and cost-effective product like that is an okay option, but I like to add a little extra sophistication to my drinks. So a bottle of Grand Marnier or Cointreau is a constant presence at my home bar, and always an excellent addition to any ‘Rita.

Other margarita variations worth trying

No matter what time of year it is, a margarita is always going to be a tasty and refreshing way to wind down. While they are very popular over the summer months, they never completely fade into the background or stop being served the rest of the year. If you’re craving that tequila and citrus-infused flavor, check out some of these takes on the classic cocktail.

• Coconut Margarita – This creamy concoction is one of the best things you can sip on by the pool.
• Cucumber Margarita – A refreshing drink, featuring the spicy kick of jalapeños.
• The Tommy’s Margarita – A very popular, agave-forward version of the original.
• Cranberry Margarita – Have a tart and tangy tipple at Christmas with this recipe.