I have a soft spot for classic drinks with a twist, and honestly, this Mulled Cider Margarita might be one of my favorites for fall. It brings together that cozy, spiced cider warmth with the bright, zingy hit of tequila and lime.
The result? You get a cocktail that’s festive, refreshing, and honestly, pretty easy to whip up at home.
This one really shines at fall get-togethers or holiday parties, but I’ve made it for a quiet night in, too. The spices from the cider mellow out the tart citrus, while the tequila keeps things bold and crisp.
No need for fancy tools or any ingredient scavenger hunts. You can throw this together without much fuss.
I’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, and I’ll toss in a few tasting notes so you know what you’re getting into before you mix your first glass.
Mulled Cider Margarita Cocktail Recipe
What I love here is the way mulled cider coziness collides with the bright, classic margarita flavor. The process is straightforward—simple tools, fresh stuff, and steps that actually make sense.
You end up with a cocktail that’s somehow both warming and refreshing. Not bad, right?
Equipment
I try to keep the gear minimal—who wants to spend more time cleaning than sipping? A solid cocktail shaker is key since it chills and blends everything just right.
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine mesh strainer
- Small saucepan (for mulling cider)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Heat-safe mug or glass for warming cider
- Margarita or rocks glasses for serving
A strainer’s handy for catching stray spice bits or pulp so your drink looks nice in the glass. And a sharp knife makes quick work of lime wedges and apple slices for garnish.
Ingredients
I always go for fresh cider and citrus—they make such a difference. The spices bring that classic warmth, and the tequila with orange liqueur gives it that unmistakable margarita kick.
- 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered if you can find it)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 slice of orange
- 2 oz tequila (blanco is my pick)
- 1 oz Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz chilled apple cider (for shaking)
- Splash of sparkling water (optional)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Apple slices and extra orange wedges for garnish
Unfiltered cider just has a punchier apple flavor. If I want to lighten it up, I’ll add a splash of sparkling water at the end.
Instructions
I always start by mulling the cider since that takes a bit of time. Once that’s done, the rest is pretty quick.
- In a small saucepan, heat 2 cups apple cider with cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange slice. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then cool it off a bit.
- Strain out the spices from the mulled cider.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, ½ oz chilled cider, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Toss in some ice.
- Shake it up until it’s good and cold, then strain into your glass.
- Top off with sparkling water if you’re feeling it.
- Garnish with apple slices and an orange wedge.
If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll rim the glass with cinnamon sugar. Not necessary, but it’s a nice touch.
Notes
I usually make extra mulled cider because it goes fast—plus, leftovers keep in the fridge for a couple days. You can reheat it or use it cold, whatever you’re in the mood for.
If you want a bigger spice hit, just add more cloves or let the cider simmer a little longer. For something lighter, a bit more sparkling water does the trick.
Fresh lime juice really is a must. Bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it. And those apple slices as garnish? They look great and add a crisp bite after a few sips.
Equipment
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Cutting board and knife
- Margarita or rocks glasses
- Heat-safe mug or glass
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider unfiltered if possible, for mulling
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 slice orange
- 2 oz tequila blanco preferred
- 1 oz Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz chilled apple cider for shaking
- sparkling water optional, for topping
- pinch ground cinnamon
- apple slices for garnish
- orange wedges for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat 2 cups apple cider with cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange slice. Simmer for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Strain out spices from the mulled cider.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, ½ oz chilled cider, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Add ice.
- Shake until cold, then strain into glass.
- Top with sparkling water if desired.
- Garnish with apple slices and orange wedge.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take that first sip, there’s this warm spice that hits right away. Cinnamon and clove are definitely in there, but honestly, they don’t steal the whole show.
The apple cider brings a natural sweetness and gives the drink a really smooth body. I actually love how it manages to mellow out the sharper edge of the tequila.
There’s a little pop of brightness from the lime juice. It keeps things from getting too heavy and just adds a fresh, zippy note.
The finish? It’s cozy—a mix of citrus and spice, somehow. I still get that apple flavor lingering at the end, which just feels so seasonal and kind of comforting.
I like how the flavors shift as the drink warms up a bit. The spices seem to soften, and the tequila just hangs out quietly in the background.
