Spicy Apple Cider Margarita

The outcome is a saccharine, piquant, and distinctly seasonal beverage that you may prefer over the original.

Photo by Bobbi Lin

Ingredients

• 2 ounce tequila

• 1.5 ounce apple cider

• 1 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice

• 3/4 ounce Agave in the Raw

• 2 pinch ground cinnamon, divided

• 2 pinch cayenne pepper, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt or cocktail salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: To create a salt rim, amalgamate the salt with a pinch of cayenne and a pinch of cinnamon, then blend together with your fingers until a uniform hue is achieved. Transfer the contents onto a plate, and ready an empty rocks glass by moistening the rim with a lime slice. Submerge the damp glass rim in the salt mixture and rotate it until the rim is thoroughly covered.

   
   

2. Step 2: Fill your glass with ice cubes.

   
   

3. Step 3: Combine the tequila, apple cider, lime juice, agave nectar, and a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne in a cocktail shaker packed with ice. Vigorously shake for 10-15 seconds and double strain into your ice-filled glass using a mesh strainer. Adorn with a cinnamon stick or a strip of orange zest, if desired.