Print

Autumn Aperol Apple Cider Margarita (+mocktail)

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Autumn Aperol Apple Cider Margarita is the perfect fall cocktail with cozy and citrusy flavors. Made with mezcal or tequila, Aperol, orange liquor, apple cider, and lime juice, it’s garnished with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. The mocktail version offers the same seasonal flair without the alcohol.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Rim:

1 tablespoon coarse sugar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Orange wedge

Margarita:

2 ounces mezcal or silver tequila

1 ounce Aperol

1/2 ounce orange liquor

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/3 cup apple cider

Apple slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

Mocktail Version:

2 additional tablespoons apple cider or sparkling apple cider

1 tablespoon orange juice

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix coarse sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Rub an orange wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip the rim into the sugar mixture.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, combine mezcal or tequila, Aperol, orange liquor, lime juice, and apple cider. Add ice and shake well. Strain into the prepared glass.
  4. Garnish with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and star anise. Optionally, light the cinnamon stick for a smoky effect.
  5. Mocktail: In a shaker, combine apple cider, orange juice, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Shake with ice, strain into a sugar-rimmed glass, and garnish as above.

Notes

  • This cocktail can easily be made in batches by multiplying the ingredient quantities.
  • Use sparkling apple cider in the mocktail version for a bubbly twist.
  • Fresh cinnamon sticks can be lit for a smoky aroma and dramatic presentation.
  • Both mezcal and tequila work well—mezcal adds a smoky depth perfect for fall.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/autumn-aperol-apple-cider-margarita-mocktail/