Apple cider proves there’s always room for another riff on the Marg.
About the cocktail
Everyone knows the Margarita, right? The timeless blend of tequila, lime, sugar and triple sec with a salted rim is possibly the world’s favourite cocktail. It’s a happy-hour staple and it even has its own day (International Margarita Day is February 22, if you were wondering). And yes, that classic Marg is brilliant, but we also love the fact that the formula is endlessly tweakable. And this brings us to our latest favourite version – the Apple Cider Margarita. If you’ve ever had a Lagerita (a Marg with lager, naturally), then the Apple Cider Margarita should be pretty familiar. Here, dry apple cider gives fizz and crunchy apple flavour to what is otherwise a triple-sec-less Marg (AKA Tommy’s Margarita). The result is a little longer than your classic Marg, with bubbly cider bringing bright freshness and a transeasonal vibe because apple cider can be ideal for winter as well as feel quite summery. This cocktail has balanced sweetness, a little zesty flavour from the cider and lime combo, some earthiness from blanco tequila and a salty rim that balances it all out. Perfection in our books. Versatility is definitely in the Apple Cider Margarita’s favour. Dry apple cider works year round, so keep this in mind for everything from winter nights around the fire to a post-swim refreshment on your summer holiday.
Ingredients
45mL blanco tequila 25mL lime juice 15mL agave syrup Dry apple cider, to top Glass: highball or beer Garnish: lime wedge and salt flakes for glass rim
Method
Prep your glass by running a lime wedge around its rim and dipping it in salt flakes on a plate to coat Add tequila, lime juice and agave syrup to a cocktail tin Give it a short, sharp shake Strain it into your prepared glass and add ice Top it with apple cider and briefly stir to combine
Dan’s top tips
Apple cider is the star of this recipe, but it’s not the only option. If you’re a fan of the extra sweetness that pear cider brings, feel free to go that way. Just keep in mind that with that extra sweet boost, it might be worth adding more lime juice to keep this cocktail balanced. As always, taste and adjust to your liking. Tequila-wise, we’re recommending blanco tequila, which is traditional for a Margarita. You could, of course, use your favourite reposado tequila, if you prefer. This will darken the cocktail a touch and bring a little more of a punchy tequila flavour. Other than that, just be sure to prep your glasses with lime and salt before making the cocktail to ensure your shaken mix can be poured straight in so it’s as fresh and cold as possible. And don’t put cider in the shaker – that’s how big, frothy accidents happen.
1. What is the difference between a Margarita and the Apple Cider Margarita?
A classic Margarita is a blend of tequila, lime juice, triple sec and often sugar syrup, too. The Apple Cider Margarita leaves out the triple sec and adds apple cider instead.
2. What is the best apple cider to use in this cocktail?
We recommend using your favourite dry apple cider to avoid bringing too much sweetness to the cocktail, but you can use whichever cider you prefer.
3. What does the Apple Cider Margarita taste like?
The Apple Cider Margarita is fruity, slightly sour, a little sweet and bubbly.
