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Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita, my favorite quick and easy, but oh so warming fall margarita. Smoky mezcal (or tequila) mixed with a splash of orange liquor, spiced apple cider, a touch of citrusy lime, and sweet maple. This autumn harvest margarita is a cozy take on the classic, and the perfect warming fall cocktail to sip on with friends and family. Finish this smoky margarita off with fresh rosemary, apple slices, and a smoking cinnamon stick for that extra special touch.

side angled photo of Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita with smoking cinnamon stick

Because every Saturday is made better with a cocktail in hand, right?

Yes, yes, correct! Happy to be back for yet another HBH Cocktail Saturday recipe! I LOVE these posts so much. And I LOVE this margarita. It basically has all the things I love about fall, with the addition of tequila and a smoky cinnamon stick. It’s easy to make and so very delicious. Not too sweet, perfectly spiced, and just a touch bit smoky.

So very fall. So very me.

It’s a tried and true favorite and has been my go-to fall margarita for years. This was one of the first “real” drinks that I made for my family a few Octobers back. It was then that I began to have a lot of fun mixing drinks and experimenting with them. Crazy that I’ve now shared so many new cocktails recipes over the last few fall and early winter Saturdays leading up to Christmas.

My next new “test” is a whiskey sour…with an egg white. What are your thoughts…an egg white cocktail? Into them…or not so much?? If you have tips, let me know!

overhead photo of Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita

The very quick details…

This margarita is easy.

First, you should rim your glass with salted cinnamon sugar. It might not seem necessary, but it’s salty, sweet, and the perfect rim for this fall margarita. Plus, it’s pretty, and that really counts for something to me.

Next, find your favorite bottle of smoky mezcal. Or if you can’t stand mezcal (some love it, some hate it), use your favorite silver tequila. But the mezcal is what gives this margarita its smokiness.

Now, add a splash of orange liquor, a good amount of spiced cider, a little citrusy lime, and sweeten it up with maple. Shake and strain into glasses.

SIMPLE. But SO GOOD.

If you want to make this margarita “extra” special. Add the garnishes…

Meaning, apple slices, a sprig of rosemary, and most importantly, a smoking cinnamon stick. It’s fun, it adds smokiness, smells incredible, and you really just need to do it.

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita | halfbakedharvest.com #margarita #applecider #cocktail #holiday #thanksgiving

And that’s it. Serve this up tonight, tomorrow, or maybe over Halloween. Or, if you’re already planning out your Thanksgiving menu, this makes for a pretty great holiday margarita too!

Looking for something a little spookier? Try last Saturday’s Sleepy Hollow Cocktail!

side angled close up photo of Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita with smoking cinnamon stick

If you make these smoky harvest apple cider margarita, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 603 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

  • cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt, for the rim
  • 2 ounces mezcal or silver tequila
  • 1/2 ounce orange liquor
  • 4 ounces (1/2 cup) apple cider
  • juice from 1/2 a lime
  • 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup use more or less to your taste
  • apple slices and cinnamon sticks, for serving

Instructions

  • 1. If desired, rim your glass in salted cinnamon sugar. Mix equal parts cinnamon sugar and sea salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and coat in sugar.
    2. Combine the mezcal or tequila, orange liquor, apple cider, lime juice, and maple in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake to combine. Strain into the glass. Garnish with apple slices, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks. If desired light the cinnamon on fire for a smoky effect.
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Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita Pitcher

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 212 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

  • cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt, for the rim
  • 12 ounces mezcal or silver tequila (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 3-4 ounces orange liquor (about 1/4 cup)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup use more or less to your taste
  • apple slices and cinnamon, sticks for serving

Instructions

  • 1. In a large pitcher, combine mezcal or tequila, orange liquor, apple cider, lime juice, and maple. Chill until ready to serve.

    2. When ready to serve, if desired, rim glasses in salted cinnamon sugar, fill with ice. Pour the margarita into glasses. Garnish with apple slices, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks. If desired light the cinnamon on fire for a smoky effect.
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horizontal photo of Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margaritas | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I’ve actually made this 3 times now…first time I used all mezcal and honestly for most people it was quite difficult to drink…My BF loooooves everything bitter and smoky so for him it was perfect like that but for me and most palates I’ve determined 1/3 mezcal and 2/3 silver tequila was the sweet spot. I also used the spiced apple cider from Trader Joes which is super yummy on its own so if there’s a store around you – get it!
    OOOOH one thing Tieghan…I love that you can adjust the servings on your recipes…BUT it would also be super awesome if when you went to print the recipe those new proportions would also print! IDK if thats an easy coding thing or not but would be super helpful…For now I print the recipe and then change the servings and take a pic with my phone then write it in….

    1. Hmmm I did not know that was happening! I will send that to my tech team now, thank you for letting me know! So glad you loved this Beata! xTieghan

  2. This is the first comment I have left, although, by far, not the first recipe I have made. And, I’m sorry for that because I know how much work this is. I made this cocktail with Mescal from Escondido with Mexican canela. It was SPECTACULAR. I promise to write more reviews.?

  3. 1 star
    These sounded amazing but did not taste so. Made these earlier for our Thanksgiving brunch. No one, not one person, finished theirs. It’s a cute ideal, but the taste never blended quite right.

    1. Hi Sara! Really sorry this did not turn out well for you all. Are there any questions I could help you with? xTieghan

  4. 5 stars
    In love with this recipe and thinking about making a pitcher for Thanksgiving. I have just 2 non- drinkers. Any tips on preserving the essence while making a glass or two non-alcoholic?

    1. HI Veronique! I would just make a second smaller pitcher that does not include the alcohol. This way everyone can have some. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan

  5. 5 stars
    I’m drinking one of these right now. It’s so soft but also so tasty! Perfect for a pre-winter night like the one we’re having here in Lisbon. I’m only sorry I chose glasses that are a little too big. No chance of holding a cinnamon stick… 😀
    Thank you once again for another WONDERFUL recipe!

  6. 4 stars
    I coated the rim of the glass with a little bit of maple syrup instead of lime juice, then dipped in the cinnamon sugar and salt mixture. Awesome addition!

  7. 5 stars
    These are delicious and the presentation is just gorgeous!! Can’t wait to make them again for more friends, so perfect for fall.

  8. 5 stars
    I just made these for our pumpkin carving night. We usually make margaritas and when I saw this recipe I had to try it. They are delicious ! Perfect fall drink! Will be making many more.

    1. HI! I like to use Cointreau. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ??

  9. 5 stars
    I googled apple cider margarita and this came up! Perfect timing! I’ve been making all of your fall drinks and this one was delicious just like the rest! I did a shot of silver tequila and a shot of mezcal; perfect smokiness! Thank you!

  10. I LOVE your holliday post and your cocktail wow i want to try every one off them… you are like the Nigella Lawson of the USA… you really set a feeling when you do a post on your blog… you are so inspiring… it is so long time since i have sat down and read a blog post from start to end and really enjoyed it… i have followed you in years… but this year you really got me inspired… especially all the harry potter post so amazing!! Lots off love from Denmark Copenhagen Lisa ×××××

  11. 5 stars
    I made this a few days ago and have been craving it since! So so good and the perfect drink to give you all the fall feels!!

    1. Hey Megan! The recipe box is still there! We had a tech issue the other day, but the recipe box is back. I am sorry sorry for any trouble! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ??

  12. Love mezcal and love your site! Ohmygoodness! P.S. since your kicking around a whiskey sour w/egg white you may check out Jeffrey Morgenthalers whiskey sour recipe for inspo. It’s fantastic and he uses egg white. I’m sure you could put a delicious spin on it. And, yes, egg white in cocktails is ?