Sparkling Citrus Apple Cider Thanksgiving Margarita

This easy Thanksgiving margarita recipe is made vibrant and fruity with fresh-squeezed orange juice, apple cider, reposado tequila, and pinches of warming spice. It makes a refreshing and vibrant Thanksgiving cocktail with simple ingredients that will shine at the holiday table.

Tools

1. Cocktail Shaker
2. Jigger - for measuring spirits
3. Holiday / Thanksgiving Cocktail Picks - for decor
4. Rocks Glass / Margarita Glass

Ingredients

1. 2 oz Reposado Tequila - I used Luna Azul reposado tequila / or your best quality tequila
2. 1 oz Fresh Orange - for fresh squeezed orange juice
3. 1½ oz Apple Cider
4. 1 wedge Fresh Lime - for squeezing in
5. 1 tsp Agave Nectar
6. 1 finger pinch Orange Zest - fresh zest
7. 1 finger pinch Pumpkin Pie Spice - generous pinch – dry spice
8. 1 finger pinch Cinnamon - generous pinch – ground dry spice
9. 1 can Sparkling Water - I used La Croix lime sparkling water for topping off
10. 1 tbsp Cinnamon Sugar - for cocktail rim
11. 1 whole Cinnamon Sticks - for garnish
12. 1 fresh Pomegranate Seeds - for garnish with orange slices if desired

To give this fun seasonal holiday cocktail another added layer of flavor and style, mix up a little bit of cinnamon sugar for the cocktail rim!

1. On a flat plate, combine 1 tbsp of white sugar with 1/2 a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and stir to combine.
2. Swipe your rocks glass with a wedge of lime and dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture, set aside.

Now it's time to mix the cocktail. Grab a cocktail shaker and some fresh ice cubes.

1. In a cocktail shaker, splash in the tequila, fresh squeezed orange juice, lime juice, agave nectar, and apple cider.
2. Next, add in a generous pinch of orange zest, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with fresh ice cubes and shake thoroughly until everything is chilled and well combined.
4. Pour this mixture into your cocktail glass and top with a light splash of sparkling water.

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1. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, fresh orange slices, cranberries or pomegranate gems, as desired. Serve ice cold.
2. Additionally, you can garnish with frosted cranberries by rolling your cranberries in simple syrup and then rolling them in white sugar.
3. Leave out to dry, skewer, or drop on top of the drink for a festive holiday garnish.

​Whether you serve this festive Thanksgiving holiday drink at dinner or enjoy as a fun fall cocktail, this easy seasonal margarita mixture will not disappoint. It is just bursting with the autumnal flavors that really remind you of the cozy season.