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Best Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Margarita Mocktail Recipe

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A warm and inviting fall cocktail with spiced apple cider, fresh lime, and a hint of maple syrup. Perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings, and easily made as a mocktail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (Ceylon recommended)
  • 3 whole star anise
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (Grade A or B)
  • 2 ounces tequila blanco (omit for mocktail, or use non-alcoholic spirit like Ritual Zero Proof)
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
  • 1 ounce spiced apple cider base (from above)
  • Ice
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (1 tablespoon sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
  • 1 lime wedge
  • 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
  • 1 apple slice (thinly sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the spiced apple cider base: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Sweeten the base: Remove from heat. Stir in the maple syrup until fully dissolved. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Can be used warm or at room temperature.
  3. Strain the base: Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl or measuring cup. Discard the whole spices. Yields about 1 ½ cups concentrated spiced cider (enough for 4-6 drinks).
  4. Prepare the glass: Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture, turning to coat evenly. Tap off excess.
  5. Fill the shaker: Add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in the tequila (if using), fresh lime juice, and 1 ounce of the spiced apple cider base. For mocktail, skip tequila and add an extra ½ ounce of spiced cider base.
  6. Shake: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
  7. Strain and serve: Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain the margarita into the glass. Optionally double-strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
  8. Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice.

Notes

Don’t skip simmering the spices—it extracts essential oils for deeper flavor. Watch spice levels; 10 minutes is ideal. For less sweet drinks, reduce maple syrup or add more lime juice. The spiced cider base can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week and flavors deepen over time. For a warm version, skip ice and serve in a heatproof mug.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider margarita, spiced apple cider cocktail, fall cocktail, mocktail, non-alcoholic, cozy drink, Thanksgiving drink, Friendsgiving

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/best-cozy-spiced-apple-cider-margarita-mocktail-recipe/