Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
The Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita is a cozy and vibrant cocktail combining smoky mezcal, fresh apple cider, zesty lime juice, and a hint of orange liqueur. Perfect for fall evenings or festive gatherings, this drink offers a balanced blend of bold autumn flavors with a touch of smokiness and elegant presentation.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Mixing/Shaking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 ounces mezcal
- 3 ounces fresh apple cider
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 0.5 ounces orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- 0.5 ounces simple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
- Ice cubes
For Rimming the Glass
- Fresh lime juice
- Sea salt or smoked salt
Garnishes
- Thin apple slices
- Cinnamon stick
- Prepare the Glass: Rim your glass with fresh lime juice, then dip it into sea salt or smoked salt to create a savory edge that enhances the cocktail’s flavor and presentation.
- Mix Your Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 3 ounces fresh apple cider, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 0.5 ounces orange liqueur, and 0.5 ounces simple syrup (if desired). Add ice to fill the shaker halfway.
- Shake and Chill: Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to thoroughly chill the mixture and blend all flavors together.
- Pour and Garnish: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice cubes. Garnish with thin apple slices or a cinnamon stick to enhance aroma and add a seasonal touch.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality apple cider and real lime juice for the best flavor balance.
- Adjust lime juice and simple syrup to your preferred tartness and sweetness level.
- Choose mezcal with a moderate smoky profile to avoid overpowering the apple notes.
- Chill your glasses before serving for a refreshing experience.
- Try smoked salts or add cinnamon to the salt rim for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: mezcal, apple cider, margarita, fall cocktail, autumn drink, smoky cocktail, festive drinks, gluten free cocktail