Orchard Bonfire Margarita
Cider and tequila get along better than you would expect. The lime keeps it a margarita, the cider makes it October, and the cinnamon-sugar rim is the part everyone notices first. A pinch of salt in the rim mix is not optional; it is what makes the apple taste like apple.
What you'll need
- 2 tablespoons sugar (25 g)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch fine salt
- 1 lime wedge
- 1.5 oz reposado or blanco tequila (45 ml)
- 0.75 oz orange liqueur (22 ml)
- 2 oz apple cider (60 ml)
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice (22 ml)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (5 ml)
- 1.5 cups tequila (360 ml)
- 0.75 cup orange liqueur (180 ml)
- 2 cups apple cider (480 ml)
- 0.75 cup fresh lime juice (180 ml)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (45 ml)
- 0.5 cup cold water (120 ml)
How to make it
Mix the sugar, cinnamon and salt on a small plate. Run the lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip it in the mix. Fill the glass with ice.
Shake the tequila, orange liqueur, cider, lime juice and maple syrup with ice for about 10 seconds.
Strain into the glass over the fresh ice.
Stir everything together, chill for at least an hour, and pour over ice into rimmed glasses.
Glass: Rocks glass. Garnish: A fan of thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Chef's secrets
Use cloudy, unfiltered cider if you can find it; clear apple juice makes a thinner drink.
Mezcal instead of tequila adds a smoky edge that suits the season.
Good to know
The pitcher keeps for a day in the fridge. Rim the glasses up to an hour ahead and leave them upside down on a tray.