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, a caramel apple cider margarita is the boozy cocktail alternative to the classic candy treat.
A caramel apple cider margarita puts a fall spin on a classic cocktail. The tart apple and margarita citrus notes balance with the sweet cider and caramel liquor to create flavors perfect for fall.
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!
Ingredients List
One Caramel Apple Cider Margarita
1 ounce tequila
2 ounce Baileys caramel liquor (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 liquor
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, 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
Step By Step Preparation
(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 coat
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 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!
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
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.
Are There Garnishes to Enhance the Presentation of These Margaritas?
Yes, 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 With These Margaritas?
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.
Recipe Pro Tips
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
If you’re looking for a fall twist on a classic cocktail, this caramel apple cider margarita checks all the boxes. It has sweet caramel, tangy apple, warm spices, and traditional margarita flavors all rolled into one delicious drink.
With just 4 required ingredients (and ice) and a lot of alternatives to choose from, it’s a simple drink to make. In just 5 minutes, you’ll have the perfect cocktail for all your fall entertaining.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, 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
This easy caramel apple cider margarita recipe requires just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to throw together. It’s sweet, tart, and bursting with caramel apple flavor that’s perfect for fall!
2OuncesBaileys caramel liquor(regular or salted caramel)
1Ounceprepared sour mix
3Ouncesapple cider
Ice cubes
Optional Rim
2Tspsugar(granulated or brown)
½Tspcinnamon
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 coat
2 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 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
Keyword apple cocktails, caramel apple cider margarita, caramel apple cocktail, caramel apple margarita recipe, caramel cocktails, cider beverages, fall margarita ideas, salted caramel apple margarita, tequila mixed drinks
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
