Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
The Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita is the quintessential autumn cocktail, blending the crisp sweetness of fresh apple cider with smoky mezcal and bright citrus notes. This cozy yet refreshing drink celebrates fall’s bounty with a perfect balance of smoky depth, natural sweetness, and tangy acidity. Ideal for fireside relaxation or festive gatherings, this margarita offers versatile flavor customizations to suit any palate.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh apple cider
- 1.5 oz mezcal
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Garnish & Rim
- Thin apple slice for garnish
- Sea salt for rimming the glass
- Prepare Your Glass: Rim your glass with fresh lime juice, then dip it into sea salt to create a savory, salty border that complements the smoky and sweet flavors.
- Mix the Base: In a shaker filled with ice, combine fresh apple cider, mezcal, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously until well mixed and chilled.
- Serve Over Ice: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice cubes to ensure it stays perfectly chilled.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Finish by placing a thin apple slice garnish on the rim or floating atop the drink for an inviting autumn touch.
Notes
- Keep all ingredients chilled before mixing for a refreshing cold cocktail.
- Adjust the simple syrup gradually to balance sweetness without overpowering the apple cider.
- Select a quality mezcal to enhance the smoky depth and smoothness.
- Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Try mixing sea salt with smoked paprika for an inventive salted rim variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: autumn cocktail, apple cider margarita, smoky cocktail, mezcal drink, fall cocktail, seasonal drink, harvest cocktail