Description
A cozy, festive game day cocktail that combines unfiltered apple cider, tequila blanco, and fresh lime juice, finished with a cinnamon-sugar rim. It’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-batch drink perfect for autumn football parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960ml) unfiltered apple cider
- 2 cups (480ml) tequila blanco
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh lime juice (from 6–8 limes)
- ¼ cup (60ml) Cointreau or Triple Sec
- ½ cup (60g) cinnamon sugar (for rimming)
- Lime wheels (for garnish)
- Apple slices (for garnish)
- Ice (large cubes preferred)
Instructions
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. If desired, moisten the rim of glasses with a lime wedge, then dip into the cinnamon sugar to coat. Set aside with lime wheels on the rim.
- Juice the limes to yield ½ cup of fresh juice. Strain if desired, though leaving pulp adds texture.
- In a large pitcher, combine the unfiltered apple cider, fresh lime juice, and tequila. Stir well.
- Add the Cointreau (or apple brandy, if using) and stir again. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength as needed.
- Chill the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the drink to cold.
- Fill prepared glasses with fresh ice.
- Pour the chilled cider mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice or lime wheel and serve immediately.
Notes
Use unfiltered, cloudy apple cider for better flavor and body; avoid sweetened apple juice. For a lighter drink, add a splash of sparkling water. The base mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but add ice only at serving time to prevent dilution. Do not freeze, as the sugar and citrus will cause separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz per serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: spiked apple cider margarita, game day drinks, football party recipes, autumn cocktails, tequila recipes, batch cocktail, easy party drinks