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The tried and true Clayton Margarita got a fall spin in this Spiced Apple Cider Margarita! It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.
I won’t lie — it took a few tries to really perfect this recipe! On my first try, I used lime juice since that is traditionally in a margarita and it did not work. I also tried it with a few different apple ciders and ended up loving Trader Joe’s Spiced Apple Cider. I definitely recommend sourcing that or another high-quality, flavorful spiced cider that is not watery at all — trust me, it makes a difference!
And like Clayton’s Margarita, this margarita is definitely strong and goes down even easier — in my opinion — so tread lightly before pouring your second; you can always make a second batch with less tequila!
Ingredients:
- Turbinado Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon
- Maple Syrup
- Ice
- Blanco Tequila
- Cointreau
- Spiced Apple Cider
- Fresh Orange Juice
- Egg Whites
- Topo Chico
- Star Anise (optional)
- Cinnamon Sticks (optional)
step-by-step:
step one: rim the glass
In a small bowl, whisk together the turbinado sugar and cinnamon. Lightly rim two glasses with maple syrup, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it adheres. Fill each glass with ice.
step two: shake up the cocktail
Combine all ingredients except the Topo Chico in a shaker and dry shake (no ice) to allow the egg to emulsify for the foam.
step three: pour and serve
Divide between the two glasses and top with Topo Chico.
Recipe FAQs:
Your preferred blanco tequila will be great! We prefer LALO Tequila.
I prefer Trader Joe’s Spiced Apple Cider for this recipe! Some ciders taste watery, so whichever you buy, be sure it is full of flavor or this margarita will not have as much flavor as it should.
An egg white is what gives this cocktail its foamy top, but you can always omit it.
I love how bubbly it is and that it helps to cut some of the sweetness, but if you prefer to omit it, you can!
Whether you are sipping this alongside your Thanksgiving Dinner or jus enjoying on a fall evening, I hope you love this spin on the classic margarita!
For more holiday cocktail recipes, try these!
Tequila Espresso-Orange Martini
Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 ounce maple syrup, plus more to rim the glass
- ice
- 3 ounces good tequila, such as LALO
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 6 ounces spiced apple cider
- 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon egg whites (fresh or liquid is fine)
- 2 ounces Topo Chico
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the turbinado sugar and cinnamon. Lightly rim two glasses with maple syrup, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it adheres. Fill each glass with ice.
- Combine all ingredients except the Topo Chico in a shaker and dry shake (no ice) to allow the egg to emulsify for the foam.
- Divide between the two glasses and top with Topo Chico.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I just omit the alcohol on this or will that affect the taste of it?
I haven’t tried making this cocktail without alcohol so I don’t have a great answer but give it a try and let me know what you think!
Do you need to add the Topo Chico if you are not using the egg white?
Just adjusted this recipe as the Topo Chico is just for topping, not so be shaken with the other ingredients! If you are not using the egg white, you can still us this. I like the bubbles it adds plus it cuts some of the sweetness, which is my preference. You can always omit if preferred!
This tastes very good but am I the only one covered in this drink?!? When I shook it my shaker opened up from the carbonation and sprayed everywhere.
I’m allergic to orange juice. what can I substitute?
It’s such a small amount, you can just omit it!
Being immune compromised, I do not eat or drink anything with raw egg or egg white. Do you have a recommendation for a sustitution for the egg white, I should I just omit it?
Hi Nancy! I would just omit this. It helps to create a foamier margarita but does not affect the taste so it is best to omit.
Thanks, Alex. I’m going to try this out at my daughter’s house this Thanksgiving. She’s the one I thank for introducing me to your delicious recipes.
Tried this on Thanksgiving; it was delicious! So much so, had it again that weekend. Delicious Fall flavor and very smooth.
Has anyone tried this warm?
Do you use blanco or reposado tequila?
I usually use Blanco!
I went ahead and tried it today. This was excellent. Thank you for the time you put into your recipes.
Is there a way to may this head and keep in a pitcher for people? What will happen to the egg white?
If you make ahead– I would just do a pitcher and omit the egg white.
I would like to make a pitcher. What do you think the quantities would be?
Can you omit the eggs if there is someone with an egg allergy?
yes, absolutely.