Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita (Print Version)

A vibrant, smoky cocktail with apple cider, mezcal, and warming spices for an autumn-inspired sip.

# Components:

→ Spirits

01 - 2 ounces mezcal
02 - 2 ounces silver tequila

→ Fruit & Juices

03 - 4 ounces fresh apple cider
04 - 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

→ Sweeteners & Flavors

05 - 1 ounce triple sec or Cointreau
06 - 0.5 ounce maple syrup

→ Garnish & Rim

07 - 1 apple, thinly sliced for garnish
08 - Lime wedges for garnish and rimming
09 - Smoked sea salt for rimming
10 - Cinnamon sticks, optional for garnish

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Run a lime wedge around the rim of two serving glasses and dip each rim into smoked sea salt to coat evenly.
02 - Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
03 - Pour mezcal, silver tequila, apple cider, lime juice, triple sec or Cointreau, and maple syrup into the shaker.
04 - Secure the lid and shake the mixture firmly for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
05 - Strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared glasses filled with fresh ice.
06 - Garnish each glass with apple slices, a lime wedge, and a cinnamon stick if desired.
07 - Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and no-cook for instant cocktail hour
  • Uses cozy autumn flavors without extra fuss
  • Flexible for both boozy and non-alcoholic options
  • Always gets rave reviews at gatherings
02 -
  • Naturally vegan and gluten free for easy sharing
  • Customizable for any crowd from spirit lovers to sober guests
  • Perfect balance of smoky sour spicy sweet and tart
03 -
  • Do not skip rimming the glass with smoked salt, it is what keeps this cocktail from feeling ordinary
  • I learned early on that shaking extra long makes every sip colder and better balanced
  • When prepping ahead slice the apples just before assembling to avoid browning or float them in lemon water for freshness
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