Fall Mezcal Margarita

This Fall Mezcal Margarita is my favorite kind of fall cocktail—seasonal without being overly sweet. Fresh apple cider pairs beautifully with smoky mezcal and tequila, while fresh lime juice keeps the drink bright and balanced. A cinnamon-sugar rim adds just the right amount of warmth and makes this margarita feel perfect for an autumn dinner, happy hour, or Thanksgiving gathering.

Fall Mezcal Margarita Ingredients

For the cinnamon-sugar rim

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Lime wedge, for the glass

For the margarita

• 1 ½ ounces tequila blanco

• ½ ounce mezcal

• 2 ounces apple cider

• ¾ ounce fresh lime juice

• ½ ounce orange liqueur, such as Cointreau

• ¼ ounce maple syrup or simple syrup, optional

• Ice

• Apple slice and cinnamon stick, for garnish

Fall Mezcal Margarita Instructions

1. Make the cinnamon-sugar rim. Mix the sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Fill the glass with ice.

2. Shake the margarita. Add the tequila, mezcal, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur, and maple syrup or simple syrup, if using, to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

3. Shake well. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled.

4. Pour. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.

5. Garnish. Add a thin apple slice and cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

A Note on the Mezcal

The mezcal gives this margarita a subtle smoky flavor that works especially well with apple cider and cinnamon. If you prefer a lighter, more traditional margarita, use ¼ ounce mezcal and increase the tequila to 1¾ ounces.

Make It a Pitcher

For a small gathering, multiply the recipe by six and combine the tequila, mezcal, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur, and sweetener in a pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve, then pour over ice and garnish each glass with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.