Fall is definitely the season I most associate with apples, probably because I make a trip to the orchard every year! While this sour green apple margarita doesn’t use real apples, it’s still the perfect drink choice to compliment your seasonal haul and all the goodies you make from it.
A margaritais a classic cocktail which usually consists of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec as the base. But, like many other cocktails, that’s simply the starting point for many other recipes that offer different flavor variations!
That’s where this sour green apple margarita comes in. While it still features a tequila base (because it wouldn’t be a margarita if it didn’t) that’s where the similarities end.
Instead, it’s filled with sweet and tart apple flavors, making it perfect for fall, Halloween, and entertaining in general! Like most cocktails, there’s still a lot of room for customization and making it your own as well.
You do need a cocktail shaker for this recipe (though I promise it’s still easy to make), or you can always opt to make a frozen version in the blender instead!
Ingredients for a Sour Green Apple Margarita
1 ounce tequila (I use blanco)
2 ounces sour apple liquor (such as DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple)
1 ounce sour mix
1 ounce apple juice
Ice cubes
For the Rim (Optional):
Slice of lime
12 green apple Jolly Rancher candies, crushed (this is actually enough for 3-4 glasses)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
I usually use a blanco or other light tequila, but you can swap in any type you like or happen to have on hand
You can use any sour apple liqueur or schnapps (or even regular non-sour apple, if you prefer it slightly less sour)
The apple juice is used for sweetness. You can always use simple syrup or agave instead
Alternative rim options include sour apple pucker rimming sugar, standard margarita salt, or cinnamon sugar. I just find the candies to be the perfect compliment!
Garnish with a slice of green apple or lime if you’d like!
Variations of Sour Green Apple Margaritas
Spicy. Add a few slices of sliced jalapeno to your drink, or use a jalapeno infused tequila or simple syrup for a sour spicy green apple margarita!
Frozen. To make a sour apple frozen margarita, add everything including the ice to a blender and blend on high until a slushy mixture forms
Poison Apple. Use black salt to rim the glass, and serve with black, orange, or purple straws for the spooky Halloween vibe
Kamikaze. Substitute vodka for the tequila to make a sour green apple kamikaze cocktail
Mocktail. For an apple margarita mocktail, omit the tequila, and substitute green apple juice in place of the green apple liquor
Step By Step Guide
Rim your glass by running the lime wedge around the outside edge, and then dip it into the crushed Jolly Rancher candies
Place a few ice cubes into the glass (unless you’re making a blended frozen version)
Add all the cocktail ingredients into a shaker with 2-3 cubes of ice
Shake for about 30 seconds, then strain into your rimmed glass filled with ice
Garnish with a slice of lime or green apple, if desired, and enjoy
When making a sour green apple margarita, it’s best to use a blanco or silver tequila. These tequilas have a clean and crisp flavor that compliments the fresh green apple and citrusy notes of the cocktail.
However, the choice of tequila can be a matter of personal preference. Some may prefer the slightly peppery and earthy notes of a reposado or añejo tequila for a more complex flavor profile.
Is There a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Cocktail?
Yes, there is a non-alcoholic mocktail version of the sour green apple margarita for those who prefer not to consume alcohol. To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila and green apple liquor.
Replace the tequila with additional apple juice, and use green apple juice to replace the liquor. Adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking by adjusting the ratio of these two liquids.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness or Sourness to My Liking?
To tailor the sweetness or sourness of your sour green apple margarita, you can make simple adjustments. For a sweeter taste, add a bit more apple juice, agave syrup, or simple syrup. To increase the sourness, add additional sour mix, sour apple liquor, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Remember that personal taste varies, so feel free to experiment until you find your perfect balance.
Can I Make a Pitcher of Sour Green Apple Margaritas for a Party?
Absolutely! To serve a crowd, scale up the recipe and prepare a pitcher of sour green apple margaritas in advance. Multiply the ingredients accordingly, and mix them in a large pitcher.
Stir well and fill the pitcher with ice before serving, which prevents dilution if you’re preparing it in advance. This allows you to spend more time enjoying the party and less time mixing individual drinks!
What’s the Ideal Serving Temperature for This Cocktail?
A sour green apple margarita is best served chilled. You can either shake it with ice and strain it into a chilled glass or serve it over ice cubes.
Chilling not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the cocktail refreshing!
Recipe Pro Tips
Glassware. Serve your sour green apple margaritas in margarita glasses, stemless wine glasses, or similar clear glassware to show off the beautiful green color
I usually crush my Jolly Ranchers in a food processor. However, you can also whack them in a zippered bag with a mallet (they’re tougher than you think, though!). Use leftover candies to make Jolly Rancher Grapes!
Storage Tips
You can prepare margaritas ahead of time by scaling up to the desired number of servings and mixing them in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir and add ice to the pitcher just before serving!
This sour green apple margarita is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and refreshing! It’s simple to make, and easy to adjust the actual tartness level to your liking.
Of course, there are other ways to tweak it, from adding a spicy twist or a spooky rim for a Halloween party. After all, the green color of the drink lends itself well to that!
Apple is a favorite fall flavor, and this drink pairs well with a variety of apple dishes, from sweet to savory. It’s one of my favorite ways to unwind after a long day of apple picking!
Of course, it goes equally well with Mexican cuisine if you want to serve these up for Cinco de Mayo, or hot dips that make it perfect for your football parties as well!
Sour Green Apple Margarita
Just 4 ingredients plus ice is all that’s needed to make these fun sour green apple margaritas. They’re sweet, tart, and a perfect fall cocktail!
2Ouncessour apple liquor(such as DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple)
1Ounceprepared sour mix
1Ounceapple juice
Ice cubes
For the Rim (Optional)
Slice of lime
12Green apple Jolly Rancher candies(finely crushed)
Instructions
Rim your glass by running the lime wedge around the outside edge, and then dip it into the crushed Jolly Rancher candies on a plate
Slice of lime, 12 Green apple Jolly Rancher candies
Place a few ice cubes into the glass (unless you’re making a blended frozen version)
Ice cubes
Add all the cocktail ingredients into a shaker with 2-3 cubes of ice
1 Ounce tequila, 2 Ounces sour apple liquor, 1 Ounce prepared sour mix, 1 Ounce apple juice
Shake for about 30 seconds, then strain into your rimmed glass filled with ice
Garnish with a slice of lime or green apple, if desired, and enjoy
Notes
I usually use a blanco or other light tequila, but you can swap in any type you like or happen to have on hand
You can use any sour apple liquor or schnapps (or even regular non-sour apple, if you prefer it slightly less sour)
The apple juice is used for sweetness. You can always use simple syrup or agave instead (but you sacrifice some apple flavor that way)
Alternative rim options include sour apple pucker rimming sugar, standard margarita salt, or cinnamon sugar. I just find the green apple candies to be the perfect compliment!
Garnish with a slice of green apple or lime if you’d like!
Serve your sour green apple margaritas in margarita glasses, stemless wine glasses, or similar clear glassware to show off the beautiful green color
I usually crush my Jolly Ranchers in a food processor. However, you can also whack them in a zippered bag with a mallet (they’re tougher than you think, though)!
You can prepare margaritas ahead of time by scaling up to the desired number of servings and mixing them in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir and add ice to the pitcher just before serving!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or modifications, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword apple flavored cocktails, apple sour liquor, fall cocktail recipes, green apple margarita, sour apple margarita, sour apple pucker recipe, tart apple margarita, unique margarita twist
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!
