Smoked Apple Fall Margarita

Crisp apple, smoky salt, and tangy tequila come together to make the absolute coziest margarita you’ve ever had! Add a Smoked Apple Fall Margarita to your autumn cocktail list this year.

When I think of fall cocktails, I usually think of bourbon (hellooooo, my famous Old Fashioned!). But as it turns out, our friend tequila makes a pretty delicious autumn libation.

Enter: The Smoked Apple Fall Margarita. The perfect blend of your favorite fall flavors with the zing of tequila that we all know and love.

You’ll probably be adding this to your list of cozy things to do this fall!

Psst — before you get the recipe, be sure to sign up below for my VIP group, where I’ll send more of my very best cocktail ideas straight to ya.

My Fall Cocktail Criteria

While I do love a summer sip like a Spaghett or a Tinto de Verano, there’s something extra warming and lovely about sipping a cocktail in the fall.

The cocktails that I love most in the fall have a strong liquor for a base, like whiskey, rum, or tequila. The very best ones also bring in those delicious fall flavors like apple, ginger, or even pumpkin.

Our Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect example! Or for something simpler, a mulled wine recipe that you can’t mess up.

What Gives This Fall margarita its Smoky Flavor?

Often, when you see a cocktail on a menu with a “smoked” flavor, it involves some very fancy mixology and lighting something on fire.

Not today, friends!

Not that I don’t think it’s cool when they do that whole “lighting a garnish on fire and trapping the smoke to flavor your cocktail” thing. It’s just that it’s a huge pain.

And sort of… flammable.

So we have a workaround that’s not only easy but adds something so special to this fall margarita: smoked salt!

Smoked salt is such a fun, unexpected seasoning to keep in your arsenal. It’s not only great for cooking, but makes a perfect salt rim on our Smoked Apple Fall Margarita. Without lighting anything whatsoever on fire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tequila. I favor a gold tequila for this recipe, partially for the color but mostly for the way that it blends with the other fall flavors.

Grand Marnier. The orange flavors in this liqueur bring a perfect, crisp balance to the drink.

Apple Cider. Definitely opt for apple cider rather than apple juice! Cider tends to be fresher and not so overpoweringly sweet.

Ginger Beer. I love a ginger beer that has a little spice to it for this fall margarita! Reeds’ or Bundaberg are personal favorites.

Smoked Salt. Smoked salt is the key to the cozy, campfire vibes that this cocktail conjures. Highly recommend.

Fresh Limes. Always go for fresh citrus juice when you’re mixing a cocktail!

Garnishes. Anything that conjures up fall for you will work! We used thinly sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and rosemary.

Smoked apple Fall Margarita Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz Grand Marnier
• 1 oz apple cider
• 1 oz ginger beer
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• Ice

1. Start by rimming your glass with smoked salt. Wet the rim with apple cider or lime juice, then roll the damp rim in a bed of salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, Grand Marnier, apple cider, and lime juice. Shake until chilled.
3. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture over the ice.
4. Top with a floater of ginger beer.
5. Add garnishes and enjoy!

When to Serve Smoked Apple Fall Margaritas

I think the real question is… when would you not?!

These would be a perfect end to a fall evening around the firepit, or delicious at a fall-themed shower or party.

Mix up a larger batch for a Halloween or Thanksgiving gathering. Guaranteed crowd pleaser! Cheers! xoxo

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