One of my favorite treats as a kid were caramel apples. Tart, juicy apples, wrapped in sweet caramel and candies always made for the perfect treat! As an adult, I love a caramel apple cider margarita as a boozy cocktail alternative to the classic candy treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A caramel apple cider margarita adds fall flavors to a classic cocktail. The tart apple and margarita citrus notes balance with the sweet cider and caramel liquor to create flavors perfect for the autumn season.
This cocktail is so easy to throw together. It’s great by the glass or by the pitcher, making it an ideal choice for entertaining around the fall. I love to mix up a pitcher for Thanksgiving guests, but it’s also great after apple picking!
With just a few ingredients (plus a lot of alternatives to make life easier) and 5 minutes, you’ll have the perfect way to enjoy your caramel apple from a glass. I definitely prefer it to picking sticky caramel out of my teeth!
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Caramel Apple Cider Margarita Ingredients
One Caramel Apple Cider Margarita
- 1 ounce tequila
- 2 ounce Baileys caramel liqueur (regular or salted caramel)
- 1 ounce prepared sour mix
- 3 ounces apple cider
- Ice cubes
For a Pitcher (Serves 4-6)
- ½ cup tequila
- 1 cup Baileys caramel liqueur
- ½ cup prepared sour mix
- 3-4 cups apple cider (depending on preferred strength)
- Ice cubes
For the Rim (Optional):
- 2 tsp sugar (granulated white or brown sugar)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Apple slice
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I use blanco tequila but you can use any white, silver, or gold tequila you like
- Instead of the caramel Baileys, you may also use Crown salted caramel whiskey, or a caramel vodka such as Smirnoff. Using vodka or whiskey will make the drink stronger, so you may want to reduce it to 1 ounce, or add more cider to balance the strength out
- If you don’t have sour mix, you may use lime juice, lemon juice, or sour apple pucker liqueuor instead (but it’s not really a margarita without some kind of sour citrus component!) Most margaritas also use triple sec, but I don’t find it necessary with the caramel flavor. However, you can add ½ ounce of it, Cointreau, or another orange liqueur if preferred
- While I find this cocktail to be plenty sweet, you can add a sweetener such as simple syrup, agave, or maple syrup to adjust it to your liking. Usually ½ ounce is plenty, but tailor to your tastes!
- Garnish ideas include a cinnamon stick, apple slice, and a cinnamon sugar rim
Step By Step Preparation
- (Optional) To rim your margarita glasses, rub a slice of apple or a lime wedge around the top edge to wet them, then dip the top onto a plate with the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat
- To a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar if you don’t have a shaker), add the tequila, Baileys, sour mix, and apple cider, along with 2-3 ice cubes
- Shake for 30 seconds, then strain into your prepared glass filled with ice
- Garnish with a slice of apple or a cinnamon stick, if desired and enjoy!
Pitcher Directions
Mix all margarita ingredients (not including the ice) into a pitcher and stir. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, pouring over a glass of ice to serve when ready
What to Serve With Caramel Apple Cider Margaritas
Appetizers and Snacks
- Salsa and chips
- Bruschetta
- Brie
- Cheese and crackers (cheddar, gruyere, camembert)
- Salted nuts
- Pretzels
Some salty Air Fryer Frozen Soft Pretzels, Air Fryer Seasoned Oyster Crackers, Bacon Wrapped Apples, or Microwave Chocolate Dipped Pretzels would be the perfect accompaniment!
Entrees and Sides
- Spinach salad
- Brats
- Quiche Lorraine
- Vegetable soup
- Chicken soup
- Ham
- Macaroni and cheese
- Roast pork (with apples)
- Savory crepes
- Risotto
- Grilled cheese
- Turkey
My Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brats, Air Fryer Chicken Soup, Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Quiche, Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders, and Air Fryer Vegetable Soup are all wonderful choices!
Desserts
- Lemon tart
- Dark chocolate
- Ice cream
- Apple desserts
- Pecan pie
- Donuts
- Pear desserts
- Ginger cookies
- Toffee
Try my Caramel Toffee Scones, Air Fryer Apple Crisp, Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies, Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts in the Air Fryer, or Air Fryer Aldi Donut Sticks for some great options!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of Caramel Apple Cider Margaritas?
Yes, you can certainly make a non-alcoholic mocktail version of caramel apple cider margaritas. To do so, skip the tequila and Baileys, and instead use apple cider, a shot of caramel syrup, fresh lime juice or sour mix, and a splash of sparkling apple juice or ginger beer.
This way, you can enjoy the delightful apple and caramel flavors without the alcohol.
What’s the Best Type of Apple Cider to Use in This Recipe?
The best apple cider for caramel apple cider margaritas is freshly pressed or unfiltered apple cider. It provides a more robust and authentic apple flavor.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also use clear apple juice, but cider is recommended for a richer taste.
What Are Good Garnishes For These Margaritas?
There are several garnishes you can use to enhance the presentation of your caramel apple margaritas. Beyond the classic apple slices, you can garnish your margaritas with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a cinnamon stick.
These extra touches not only make your margaritas look more appealing but also add delightful flavors and aromas to each sip.
Are There Any Creative Flavor Variations I Can Try?
Absolutely! You can explore various flavor twists by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version.
Another option is infusing the tequila with apple slices for a more intense apple essence. Get creative and tailor your margaritas to your taste preferences.
What is the Best Alcohol to Add to Apple Cider?
Apple cider is typically paired with neutral vodka, warm bourbon, or rum, as they all pair well with it. However, tequila can be a great choice when used with complimentary flavors as well.
Caramel, vanilla, lemon, maple, and cinnamon are some great combinations to use with cider, which is what brings this caramel apple cider margarita together so well!
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Apple Cider Margarita
- For a frozen caramel apple margarita, place the ingredients and the ice into a blender. Blend until smooth, then pour into your rimmed glasses and enjoy!
- You may also rim your glasses using caramel sauce instead of the apple to add more caramel flavor. I just find that it’s a lot messier that way
Storage and Serving Tips
- You can mix your margaritas in a pitcher up to 72 hours in advance and mix well. Then, simply add ice to individual glasses and pour to serve!
- Glassware. Serve caramel apple margaritas in margarita glasses (regular or stemless), stemless wine glasses, a mason jar, or a rocks glass
- Cinnamon Apple Margarita
- Salted Caramel Margarita
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fall twist on a classic margarita, this caramel apple cider version checks all the boxes. It has sweet caramel, tangy apple, and warm spices, drawing inspiration from the classic confection. Add in traditional margarita flavors, and you have one delicious drink!
With just 4 required ingredients (and ice) and a lot of alternatives to choose from, this cider margarita is a simple drink to make. In just 5 minutes, you’ll have the perfect cocktail recipe for all your fall entertaining.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, watching the game, or just kicking back after a day of apple picking or raking leaves, there’s no wrong time for a caramel apple margarita!
Easy Caramel Apple Cider Margarita
Equipment
- Measuring cup (liquid)
- Shaker (or mason jar with lid)
- Margarita glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 Ounce tequila (white, light, or gold)
- 2 Ounces Baileys caramel liquor (regular or salted caramel)
- 1 Ounce prepared sour mix
- 3 Ounces apple cider
- Ice cubes
Optional Rim
- 2 Tsp sugar (granulated or brown)
- ½ Tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Apple slice
Instructions
- (Optional) To rim your margarita glasses, rub a slice of apple around the top edge to wet them, then press the top onto a plate with the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat2 Tsp sugar, ½ Tsp cinnamon, Apple slice, Pinch of salt
- To a shaker (or a mason jar if you don’t have a shaker), add the tequila, Baileys, sour mix, and apple cider, along with 2-3 ice cubes1 Ounce tequila, 2 Ounces Baileys caramel liquor, 1 Ounce prepared sour mix, 3 Ounces apple cider, Ice cubes
- Shake for 30 seconds, then strain into your margarita glass filled with ice
- Garnish with a slice of apple or a cinnamon stick, if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- I use blanco tequila but you can use any white, silver, or gold tequila
- Instead of the caramel Baileys, you may also use Crown salted caramel whiskey, or a caramel vodka such as Smirnoff. Using vodka or whiskey will make the drink stronger, so you may want to reduce it to 1 ounce, or add more cider to balance the strength out (it will also be less opaque in appearance this way)
- If you don’t have sour mix, you may use lime juice, or sour apple pucker liquor instead (but it’s not really a margarita without some kind of sour citrus component!)
- Garnish ideas include a cinnamon stick, apple slice, and a cinnamon sugar rim
- For a frozen caramel apple margarita, place the ingredients and the ice into a blender. Blend until smooth, then pour into your rimmed glasses and enjoy!
- You may also rim your glasses using caramel sauce instead of the apple to add more caramel flavor. I just find that it’s a lot stickier that way
- You can mix your margaritas in a pitcher up to 72 hours in advance and mix well. Then, simply add ice to individual glasses and pour to serve!
- Glassware. Serve caramel apple margaritas in margarita glasses (regular or stemless), stemless wine glasses, a mason jar, or a rocks glass
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
