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Perfect Small-Batch Apple Cider Margaritas for Two

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A perfectly balanced fall cocktail made with apple cider, silver tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur. Ready in under five minutes, this small-batch recipe yields two cocktails that taste like October in a glass.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces apple cider (unfiltered)
  • 4 ounces silver or blanco tequila (100% agave)
  • 2 ounces fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
  • Turbinado or brown sugar (for rimming glasses)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
  • Apple slices (for garnish)
  • Ice (large cubes preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prep your glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip the rim into a small plate of turbinado sugar, rotating gently to coat evenly. Tap off any excess sugar. Set aside.
  2. Juice your limes: Roll two limes on the counter under your palm to loosen the juice. Cut them in half and juice until you have 2 ounces total. Strain out any seeds.
  3. Combine ingredients in the shaker: Add 6 ounces apple cider, 4 ounces silver tequila, 2 ounces fresh lime juice, and 1 ounce orange liqueur to your cocktail shaker.
  4. Add ice: Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice cubes.
  5. Shake vigorously: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the metal feels very cold.
  6. Fill your glasses with fresh ice: Add fresh ice cubes to your prepared glasses.
  7. Strain and pour: Strain the margarita mixture evenly into both glasses. Use a fine-mesh strainer if desired to catch ice shards.
  8. Garnish and serve: Add a cinnamon stick to each glass and float a thin apple slice on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice only—bottled juice will ruin the flavor. Large ice cubes melt slower and prevent dilution. Taste the mixture before pouring and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed. Warm cinnamon sticks between your palms before garnishing to release aroma. The sugar rim should be added fresh; do not prep ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider margarita, small batch, fall cocktail, margarita for two, apple cider cocktail

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/perfect-small-batch-apple-cider-margaritas-for-two/