About This Recipe
This mezcal apple cider cocktail is my go-to drink when the weather turns crisp. It’s cozy, smoky, and perfectly balanced with citrus and cinnamon. Think of it as the fall version of a margarita—easy to make, big on flavor, and guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
Why I love this recipe
This is a very easy apple cider cocktail made with easy-to-find ingredients (I’m pretty sure you have most of them at home, hello apple cider donuts). It is so tasty, full of warm flavors highlighted by the smokiness of the mezcal. This apple cider drink sounds more complicated and complex than it is. The flavor hits the mark.
- Apple cider: Choose a good-quality, unfiltered cider for the best flavor.
- Mezcal: Adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the spiced cider. You can substitute tequila with a milder-flavored option.
- Agave syrup: Balances the tart citrus; honey or maple syrup also works.
- Orange + lemon juice: Freshly squeezed gives the best bright contrast.
- Cinnamon & apple slices: For garnish and aroma—don’t skip these!
How to Make It
- Rim your glass: Run a lime wedge around the rim, then dip in a mix of sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix the cocktail: In a shaker or pitcher, combine apple cider, mezcal, citrus juices, and agave syrup.
- Serve: Fill the rimmed glass with ice, pour the cocktail over, and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Tip: Stir before pouring if you’ve mixed it in advance—the spices settle at the bottom.
How to rim the glass
Rim the cocktail glass by rubbing a halved lime or lemon on the rim of each glass, then invert the glass onto a plate with two tablespoons of sugar, one teaspoon of kosher salt, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Variations
- Batch cocktail: Multiply ingredients by 4–6 and serve in a large pitcher.
- Non-alcoholic: Swap mezcal for a splash of smoky iced tea or sparkling water.
- Spiced version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or clove for extra warmth.
Home Cook Tips
- Use clear ice cubes for a cleaner presentation—they melt more slowly.
- Chill the apple cider beforehand so you don’t need to shake it with ice.
- For an extra-smooth flavor, rim the glass with only sugar.
Mezcal Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz apple cider
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.
- Strain and pour over a rimmed cocktail glass with ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Notes
- If you want to make this cocktail for a crowd, double, triple, quadruple the recipe and mix in a pitcher.
- You could use tequila instead of mezcal but you are going to loose the smokiness of this drink.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
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