Impress your guests with this apple pie fall margarita. Made with smoky mezcal and fresh apple juice, this is the perfect thanksgiving margarita. Make this pitcher drink in less than 5 minutes and enjoy it all night long.
I absolutely love celebrating the holiday season with a great cocktail! Some of my favorite for the fall season are my caramel apple mule, my cranberry vanilla chai sangria and my refreshing cucumber moscow mule.
Check out out my whole section of make at home cocktails for your next celebration!
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Great for a large gathering. Because this thanksgiving margarita is made in a pitcher, it is perfect for a large gathering. Made one or two batches and kick back knowing you do not have to re-make any drinks.
- Impressive, yet simple. This cocktail will impress all of your friends due to unique taste and fancy garnishes. While it tastes like a bartender made it, it is only a few simple steps with ingredients likely already in your pantry.
- Festive. This apple pie margarita is full of warm spices and sweet apple taste, with the smokiness of the mezcal complimenting it. It is the perfect margarita for any fall flavor lovers.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Apple Juice. This recipe uses apple juice, but you can also use apple cider. Keep an eye out for the amount of added sugar in your juice. One of the ingredients for this fall margarita is apple simple syrup, so it is best to avoid apple juice that has too much added sugar because the drink will be too sweet.
- Mezcal. Mezcal is a type of liquor, sometimes confused with tequila. Mezcal has a smokier taste. which varies from brand to brand. I recommend using a high quality, less smoky tasting mezcal, such as Montelobos Mezcal Joven. You may also use tequila if you prefer.
- Limes. Use fresh lime juice for this recipe. Store-bought lime juice is usually watered down, and you will taste the difference in your cocktail.
- Apple Simple syrup. I recommend you make your own simple syrup. It is easy and can be done in 15 minutes and allows for the freshest flavor. If you are short on time, however, you can always buy pre-made apple syrup. Make sure it is not green apple, which is a completely different taste that will make this margarita sour tasting. You can also use maple syrup in its place.
What is the difference between Mezcal and Tequila?
If you are wondering what the difference is between Mezcal and Tequila, in short
- "Tequila is typically produced by steaming the agave inside industrial ovens before being distilled two or three times in copper pots. Mezcal, on the other hand, is cooked inside earthen pits that are lined with lava rocks and filled with wood and charcoal before being distilled in clay pots." Source: Food and Wine, "What's the Difference between Tequila and Mezcal?"
Because this is a fall cocktail, and I wanted it to be cozy, I choose mezcal. However, you can use your favorite tequila in its place.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the simple syrup. If you are making your own cinnamon apple simple syrup, make it prior to making the cocktail.
- Begin making the margarita. Place the mezcal, simple syrup, apple juice, lime juice and ice into a pitcher and mix well.
- Rim your glass. This is optional, yet so fun and festive! Pour cinnamon and sugar into a shallow bowl. Using a lime wedge, rim the glass you plan to drink this margarita out of it. The lime will cause the adhesion with the sugar. Dip the glass, rim down, into the sugar cinnamon mixture and twist until the sugar mixture is stuck onto the rim.
- Pour. Pour the cocktail into each glass, ensuring some ice goes along the way.
- Garnish. This is optional, but also adds some fun! Use fresh apple slices, rosemary or cinnamon sticks to truly impress your guests.
STORAGE
It is best to drink this apple pie margarita immediately. If for any reason you or a guest do not finish the pitcher, remove the ice and store in the fridge for up to 12 hours.
TIME SAVING HACKS
This thanksgiving margarita comes together pretty quickly, so you do not need to save much time. If you are short on time, I recommend making the simple syrup prior or buying a pre-made apple syrup or use maple syrup.
If you need to make the entire cocktail ahead of your event, simply add all ingredients together with no ice and place in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
FAQ
Absolutely! You can double or triple the recipe if you have a pitch large enough to hold it. You also can use a drink dispenser if you do make a larger batch.
Absolutely! You can use silver or gold tequila at a 1-1 ratio as mezcal.
Yes, but only if you are in a cool area. The simple syrup can get sticky and, if it is hot in the kitchen or dining room, it can start to melt. This can result in dropped glasses and so much more (believe me, I know from experience).
EXPERT TIPS
- Choose your mezcal carefully. If you are new to mezcal, research your mezcal before heading to the liquor store. I recommend starting off with a smoother and less smoky. I recommend Montelobos Mezcal Joven. You may also use silver tequila if you prefer.
- Make your own simple syrup. Because the apple spice simple syrup is critical for this cocktail, it is always great to know exactly what is going into it. Making your own ensures that. If you are short on time the day of your event, make the simple syrup ahead of time.
- Use apple juice with no added sugar. Because of the added simple syrup (or maple syrup) in this cocktail, avoid apple juice with added sugar or it will make the drink too sweet.
OTHER FESTIVE COCKTAILS
Fall Margarita (Apple Pie)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup lime juice (approx 2 limes)
- ¼ cup Apple Simple Syrup or maple syrup
- 1 cups Mezcal adjust up to 2 cups based on taste + desired ABV level
- ½ cup Apple Juice adjust up to 1 cup for more apple flavor
- 2-3 cups Ice
Sugar Rim
- 1 Lime Wedge
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and ice into a pitcher.
- Stir for 30 seconds, ensuring all of the ingredients are combined.
- Sugar Rim (optional) Add sugar and cinnamon into a shallow bowl. Rub the lime peel on the rim of the glasses you are using to drink the beverage. Then place the wet rim of your glass into the sugar spice bowl in order to get the mixture on your rim. You may need to twirl it a little bit.
- Carefully pour into your rimmed glass. Garnish with cinnamon sticks rosemary and apple slices! Cheers.
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