Last Updated on December 8, 2020 by laurenpacek
These margs are just what you need at the end of a long Fall day
Mezcal Apple Cider Margaritas are sweet, smoky, and so very delicious. They’re rimmed with cinnamon, sugar, and salt, for a tasty contrast to the flavors of the drink itself.
What is mezcal?
You can think about mezcal as sort of being like… tequila’s smoky-flavored cousin.
Both spirits are made from agave. BUT while mezcal can be made from many varieties of the agave plant, tequila can only be made from one specific kind (and has to be made in specific regions of Mexico). In addition, the agave that’s used to make tequila is steamed in ovens, while the agave that’s used to make mezcal is often roasted in underground pits. This is what imparts that signature smoky flavor.
You can drink straight it straight or add it to mixed drinks, like I’ve done here. It’s a fun way to mix things up a bit as a replacement for tequila, but also a perfectly delicious spirit in its own right.
How does this drink come together?
It’s pretty simple! You will start by rimming your glass(es) with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and salt. I know that salt is the traditional garnish for margs, but cinnamon and sugar just felt right, too. It’s Fall!
Carefully add ice cubes to your rimmed glasses. Then, add your liquors, lime juice, and apple cider to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, shake, shake until super cold.
Strain the marg into your rimmed glass and garnish with apple slices (yay edible garnishes!) and some cinnamon sticks, if you’re feeling fancy. Next, sip and enjoy. Cheers!
Looking for similar drinks?
Okay, so I’ve got Apple Cider Margaritas that use tequila, too. Definitely check them out. And don’t forget about Apple Cider Mimosas.
And alright, I know that this isn’t a drink, but please make some Apple Cider Donuts. You won’t regret it.
I’ve also showed you a really delicious Grilled Mezcal Margarita. Grilling + smoky mezcal just seem to go together.

Mezcal Apple Cider Margaritas
Mezcal Apple Cider Margaritas are sweet, smoky, and so very delicious. They're rimmed with cinnamon, sugar, and salt, for a tasty contrast to the flavors of the drink itself.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon-Sugar-Salt Rim
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Margarita
- 1.5 oz mezcal
- 0.75 oz triple sec
- 4 oz apple cider
- 1 lime, juiced
- cinnamon sticks and thin slices of apple, for garnish
Instructions
To make the Cinnamon-Sugar-Salt Rim
- Combine the sugar, salt, and cinnamon on a small plate or in a shallow bowl.
- Put a few tablespoons of water on another small plate or shallow bowl. Dip the rim of the glass in the water.
- Dip the damp rim of the glass in the sugar/salt/cinnamon.
- Carefully add ice cubes to the glass. Set aside.
To make the Apple Cider Mezcal Margaritas
- Add the mezcal, triple sec, apple cider, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until very cold (5-10 seconds).
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.
Notes
- You can sub tequila for the mezcal if that's all that you have, or if that's your preference
- I garnished my drinks with sweet-tart honey crisp apple slices, but use whatever variety of apple you have! It's all delicious.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 288Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2333mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 4gSugar: 33gProtein: 1g
What should I have on hand to make this?
- A cocktail shaker
- A jigger, for measuring booze + apple cider
- A citrus squeezer that I seriously love and use all.the.time.
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Pin this recipe for later!
Made this last night – the cider cut the taste of the mezcal by a ton which was welcomed! Thanks for sharing
So glad that you liked it!!