Description

A crisp, spiced cocktail that bridges the gap between summer and winter, featuring warm apple cider, blanco tequila, and a smoky salt rim, perfect for autumn gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (480 ml) apple cider
1 cup (240 ml) blanco tequila
0.5 cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice
0.25 cup (60 ml) simple syrup
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise pod
Smoked sea salt (for rimming)
Apple slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Pour apple cider into a medium saucepan and add the cinnamon stick and star anise.
Heat over medium-low heat until fragrant (about 4-5 minutes), then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
Run lime wedges around the rim of glasses and dip into smoked sea salt to rim.
Place glasses in the fridge or freezer to chill.
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup with ice.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
Strain the tequila mixture into the chilled glasses.
Gently stir in the warm, spiced cider.
Top with a fresh apple slice or a grilled apple slice for garnish.

Notes

Do not shake the cider with the alcohol to avoid over-dilution. Adjust simple syrup based on the sweetness of your cider. For a stronger drink, substitute half the cider with hard cider. The tequila base can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Cocktails
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 large margarita
Calories: 280
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 15
Carbohydrates: 24

Keywords: fall cocktail, apple cider margarita, autumn party drink, outdoor cooking, smoked salt rim, tequila recipe, seasonal drinks