This Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail is perfect for fall, made with fresh apple cider, warming cinnamon, and silver tequila. Gluten-free, vegan.
A Cozy Cocktail for Fall
As the weather cools down, I love using fresh apple cider from the local farmer's market for making autumnal cocktails. It has the perfect balance of sweet-tart flavor and the most delicious taste of real apples. When paired with a splash of silver tequila, cinnamon, and lemon juice, you get a simple drink full of the coziest fall flavor.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
Cinnamon-sugar rim - Organic cane sugar and ground cinnamon are used to create a flavorful, sweet rim on the glass.
Silver tequila - This agave-based spirit has a light colour and fresh flavor. You may use Añejo or Reposado for a stronger, more caramelized flavor.
Apple cider - Use a high-quality fresh apple cider for the crispest, cleanest apple flavor. Apple juice will work in a pinch!
Lemon juice - Balances the sweetness of the apple cider and adds a tart, zingy note. Use fresh-squeezed for the best flavor.
Maple syrup - Enhances the flavors in the cocktail and lightly sweetens it. Agave nectar works too, as does honey (if not vegan).
Ground cinnamon - Brings a cozy, warming flavor to fall cocktails, which works so well with the apple cider.
Garnish - A slice of apple and a cinnamon stick adds a fragrant, pretty finishing touch to the drink.
How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail
Step 1: Mix the sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Run an apple slice or damp paper towel around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup, and pinch of cinnamon.
Step 3: Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Step 4: Strain into the prepared rimmed glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Variations
Try out some easy swaps to customize this cocktail:
- Swap tequila for bourbon or brandy for a warming flavor.
- Add a twist of orange peel for a fragrant garnish.
- Top up with soda water and serve in a high-ball glass for a long cocktail.
- Swap apple cider for pear juice.
Recipe tips
- Non-alcoholic: Omit the tequila, swap it out for ginger beer, or a non-alcoholic tequila substitute.
- Make-ahead: You can pre-mix a large batch of this cocktail and store in an airtight container or covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add ice, stir well to chill it down, then pour into glasses and serve.
More Apple Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon organic cane sugar
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 3 ounces fresh apple cider
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¼ ounce pure maple syrup
- Pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 cinnamon stick or apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Run an apple slice or damp paper towel around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup, and pinch of cinnamon.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into the prepared rimmed glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
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