Category: Tequila

Apple Cider Margarita

This apple cider margarita recipe will impress everyone! It’s tangy and balanced, with a cinnamon sugar rim. Once apple cider…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This apple cider margarita recipe will impress everyone! It’s tangy and balanced, with a cinnamon sugar rim.

Apple cider margarita

Once apple cider season rolls around, there’s one cocktail you absolutely must make with it. This Apple Cider Margarita! It’s tangy and balanced: the zingy tequila and lime pairs beautifully with the sweet cider. Top it off with a cinnamon sugar rim, and every sip is a delight. Every margarita recipe we make is my favorite…until we make a new one. This one is ideal as a fall cocktail or winter drink: make the pitcher variation if you’re serving a crowd!

What’s in an apple cider margarita?

This apple cider margarita is a spin on the Classic Margarita, a simple classic cocktail from the 1930’s that’s stood the test of time. The ingredients in the classic? Tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau). This version stays true to the classic definition, simply adding in apple cider to the mix. Here’s what you’ll need for this apple cider margarita:

  • Tequila
  • Lime juice
  • Cointreau
  • Apple cider
  • Cinnamon and sugar, for the rim
Apple cider margarita

What type of apple cider to buy?

There are a few major types of apple cider you’ll find at the store that you can use in this margarita. Here’s a breakdown and what we prefer:

  • Unfiltered vs filtered: Apple cider is sold unfiltered, which has the pulp and sediment, and filtered, which is basically like apple juice. For the best flavor and color for this drink, choose unfiltered! But it works with filtered as well.
  • Pasteurized vs unpasteurized: Pasteurizing apple cider makes it more shelf stable. If it’s unpasteurized, it can turn into hard cider or apple cider vinegar over time, so you should drink it within 2 weeks. Unpasteurized cider has more risk of bacteria, so we recommend pasteurized.

How to make a cinnamon sugar rim

The best part of this apple cider margarita recipe? The cinnamon sugar rim! It gives a pop of sweetness to each sip, and a bit of texture on the edge of the glass. Here’s how to whip it up at home:

  • Use a lime wedge to wet the wedge of the glass. Cut a notch in it, then run it around the edge of the glass. You can do a thicker band, like you see in the photos.
  • Mix up a plate of cinnamon and sugar. You don’t even have to measure: any quantity will do.
  • Place the outer edge of the glass in the sugar and rotate. Make sure the outer edge is evenly coated (not the inside).

Voila! Take one sip, and this drink is deliciously balanced between tangy lime, zingy tequila and sweet cinnamon sugar.

Apple cider margarita

Make an apple cider margarita pitcher (8 servings)

Serving a crowd? The best way to serve an apple cider margarita is as a pitcher! That way, you can spend 5 minutes making 8 drinks instead of one. You can prepare all the glasses with cinnamon sugar rims, then pour the drink into each (approximate 2/3 cup liquid per glass, plus ice!). Here’s what to mix together:

  • 1 ½ cups tequila
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • ¾ cup Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • ¾ cup lime juice
  • 3 handfuls ice

Add these ingredients to a pitcher, mix, and enjoy! The ice quantity is important for the dilution that would occur in a cocktail shaker. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

More apple cider cocktails

Love apple cider? Make all these fall cocktails and apple cocktails that use cider:

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Apple cider margarita

Apple Cider Margarita

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This apple cider margarita recipe will impress everyone! It’s tangy and balanced, with a cinnamon sugar rim.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces* tequila reposado
  • 2 ounces apple cider
  • ¾ ounce Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
  • Cinnamon and sugar, for the rim
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice!)
  • Star anise and cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of cinnamon and sugar.
  2. Single drink: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until cold. Strain the margarita into the glass with the sugar rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
  3. Pitcher (8 servings): Place 1 ½ cups tequila, 2 cups apple cider, ¾ cup Triple Sec or Cointreau, and ¾ cup lime juice in a pitcher. Add 3 handfuls ice and stir until cold. Prepare the glasses separately, then add 2/3 cup to each glass and garnish with ice.

Notes

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Apple cider margarita

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Tequila Watermelon Skewers

Watermelon tequila skewers are insanely fun and refreshing! The zing of the alcohol watermelon combo will impress everyone. Here’s a…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Watermelon tequila skewers are insanely fun and refreshing! The zing of the alcohol watermelon combo will impress everyone.

Watermelon tequila

Here’s a deliciously refreshing summer recipe that you need…stat. It’s a bit of a crazy idea, but stick with us here: Watermelon Tequila Skewers! Yes, you’ll most often see watermelon and tequila paired in a cocktail (and who could turn down a watermelon margarita?). But sprinkle some over watermelon cubes and it’s absolute genius! Here’s how to make this tasty party trick.

Want drinks instead? Go to Watermelon Drink Ideas.

Ingredients for watermelon tequila skewers

This novel idea for summer entertaining is courtesy of Alex, who had the crazy idea of sprinkling tequila over some cubes from our watermelon salad. It had the best zingy, sweet tart flavor that was intensely refreshing! We knew we had to turn it into a party treat. Here’s all you’ll need:

  • Ripe seedless watermelon: make sure it’s a best quality, sweet ripe melon!
  • Fresh mint: Just a few leaves bring big flavor, and they’re perfect for garnish
  • Lime juice
  • Tequila
Watermelon tequila

Why the alcohol watermelon combination works

You’ve probably heard about a vodka watermelon, where you make a hole in a watermelon and pour in a whole bottle of vodka. We’ve heard mixed reviews of this stunt, and most people say it doesn’t work. Since we don’t like wasting alcohol (especially an entire bottle), we haven’t tried it.

So why not use just ¼ cup tequila to try this tasty appetizer or treat? The way that tequila brings out the zing of the lime and the sweetness of the watermelon is unbeatable. You really do have to try it to believe it!

How much alcohol is in these tequila watermelon skewers? The overall alcohol content is very low. The recipe of 6 servings has just a little more alcohol than one classic margarita.

Mix the ingredients and chill 1 hour (or not…)

All you have to do to make this recipe? Combine the watermelon, tequila, lime juice, mint: and then wait! It tastes best when it’s nicely chilled and the ingredients have a little time to meld together.

Don’t want to wait? That’s ok too! It tastes good right away, and even better if you start with a chilled watermelon. But for best results, chill 1 or 2 hours before serving.

Alcohol watermelon

Serve the watermelon tequila juice in shot glasses

Here’s another genius serving idea for these watermelon tequila skewers (courtesy of Alex, of course!). You’ll notice after refrigerating the skewers that juice builds up at the bottom of the container. Yes, it’s all that delicious watermelon tequila lime goodness that’s just oozing out of the fruit!

You can use that too: just strain it though a cocktail shaker into little shot glasses! It makes the cutest presentation and one sip of the liquid? It’s drop dead delicious.

Let us know if you make these alcohol watermelon skewers in the comments below: we’d love to know what you think!

More watermelon recipes

Got melon? Here are our top juicy watermelon recipes to cool off this summer, with a focus on that alcohol watermelon combo:

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Watermelon tequila

Tequila Watermelon Skewers

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

Watermelon tequila skewers are insanely fun and refreshing! The zing of the alcohol watermelon combo will impress everyone.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cubed ripe seedless watermelon (about 2 1/2 pounds or 1/4 medium melon)
  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) tequila
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, plus more leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the watermelon in a large bowl and sprinkle with the lime juice, tequila and chopped mint. Toss until well coated.
  2. Place in a covered container and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day (it’s best when it’s freshest).
  3. To serve, place watermelon chunks on cocktail picks or short skewers. If you’d like, use a cocktail shaker to strain the remaining juice from the bottom of the container into shot glasses, to be enjoyed along with the watermelon!
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Chilled
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Watermelon tequila, Alcohol watermelon

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Margaritas

All you need are 3 ingredients to make my favorite margarita recipe!  Instructions included for how to make a single serving margarita or pitcher margaritas for a crowd. Raise your hand if you love a good margarita! ♡ This famously sweet, sour and salty drink will forever and always be my all-time favorite cocktail. But […]

All you need are 3 ingredients to make my favorite margarita recipe!  Instructions included for how to make a single serving margarita or pitcher margaritas for a crowd.

Classic Margarita Recipe in Glass with Lime

Raise your hand if you love a good margarita! ♡

This famously sweet, sour and salty drink will forever and always be my all-time favorite cocktail. But while I adore just about any kind of margarita — frozen or on the rocks, tequila or mezcal, fruity or spicy or fizzy or creamy, you name it — a classic margarita cocktail in my book simply cannot be beat.

By contrast to many of the diluted, super-sweet, and sometimes fizzy huge mugs of margaritas that are often served in restaurants around the world nowadays, a traditional margarita is actually a strong, tart cocktail made with three simple ingredients — good-quality tequila, orange liqueur, and freshly-squeezed lime juice. This simple margarita mix is incredibly quick and easy to make, either for a single serving or a larger batch for a crowd. And it is downright delicious served on the rocks, with or without a salted rim.

I have become quite partial over the years to making margaritas with mezcal instead of tequila, which I highly recommend if you love a good smoky cocktail. And if you feel like spicing your drink up a bit, I’ve also included tips below for how to make a spicy salted rim or muddle a few chile peppers into your drink — so good!

Bottom line, if you love margaritas as much as I do, take a moment to read through my tips below and memorize this simple 3:2:1 ingredient ratio. Then let’s make a round of margaritas together. Cheers!

(more…)

Frozen Paloma Cocktail

If you love a classic Paloma, try our frozen Paloma cocktail! It’s easy to make with only four simple ingredients and a blender! Perfect for a summer gathering. While a Paloma drink exudes coolness all on its own, blending it up makes it the ulti…

If you love a classic Paloma, try our frozen Paloma cocktail! It’s easy to make with only four simple ingredients and a blender! Perfect for a summer gathering. While a Paloma drink exudes coolness all on its own, blending it up makes it the ultimate refreshment on a warm day. In English, the name means […]

The post Frozen Paloma Cocktail appeared first on Sugar and Charm.

The Jaguar Cocktail

This quirky cocktail brings together three disparate ingredients; tequila, Chartreuse, and Amer Picon, to create the Jaguar, a drink that hews on the bitter side, with a bit of intrigue from the tequila, and the herbal punch of Chartreuse. I couldn’t find much intel on the origin of this cocktail, and how these three ingredients found their way into the same glass. Some information on…

This quirky cocktail brings together three disparate ingredients; tequila, Chartreuse, and Amer Picon, to create the Jaguar, a drink that hews on the bitter side, with a bit of intrigue from the tequila, and the herbal punch of Chartreuse.

I couldn’t find much intel on the origin of this cocktail, and how these three ingredients found their way into the same glass. Some information on the internet led me to a Jaquar-named energy drink that had the distinction of being “widely popular and commonly available in many post-Soviet countries.” But since two of the spirits are decidedly French, I decided to give it a go.

Continue Reading The Jaguar Cocktail...

Vanilla-Pear Holiday Punch

This holiday punch is unlike any I’ve ever had, and I think you’re going to love it. It’s not too sweet. It tastes like pear, vanilla, spice…

The post Vanilla-Pear Holiday Punch appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

naturally sweetened punch recipe

This holiday punch is unlike any I’ve ever had, and I think you’re going to love it. It’s not too sweet. It tastes like pear, vanilla, spice and everything nice. It’s a smooth, easy sipper, even with tequila inside. Yep, tequila!

This pitcher of cocktails was inspired by an oldie but goodie, my Pear Nectar Cocktails with Reposado Tequila. That cocktail is proof that simple ingredients can yield a delightfully complex cocktail. If you’re just making one or two drinks, follow that recipe instead.

You won’t need any fancy liqueurs for this holiday punch recipe, just some pear juice, reposado tequila, plus a few basic ingredients—lemon juice, club soda, cinnamon and vanilla extract.

holiday punch ingredients

I know we’re skipping the holiday parties this year, but I just couldn’t keep this recipe to myself until next December. If you’d like to batch some cocktails for your family, this punch is just the ticket.

Or you could drop off a jar of cocktails with friends or neighbors to share some holiday cheer. I wrote the recipe to yield eight drinks and you can divide or multiply as you’d like.

Continue to the recipe...

The post Vanilla-Pear Holiday Punch appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

The Tequila Old Fashioned Rick Martinez Is Toasting With This Holiday

We teamed up with Tequila Don Julio to share the recipe for a classic old fashioned, with a little tequila twist. Starring Don Julio Reposado Tequila, this cocktail’s simple to stir up yet filled with cozy-warm flavors. The best part? Have all the ingr…

We teamed up with Tequila Don Julio to share the recipe for a classic old fashioned, with a little tequila twist. Starring Don Julio Reposado Tequila, this cocktail’s simple to stir up yet filled with cozy-warm flavors. The best part? Have all the ingredients you need, including a full-size bottle of Don Julio, delivered straight to your door with this Cocktail Courier kit.

Here, Food52 Resident Rick Martinez shares his family’s annual holiday tradition—and how it’ll look a little different this year.

Read More >>

Christmas Margarita

The Christmas margarita is the best holiday drink! This brilliant cranberry spin is irresistible and perfect for festivities. Looking for a Christmas cocktail that’s fun and a little…unexpected? It’s not often that tequila features in holiday cocktails. But this one is absolutely stellar: try the Christmas Margarita! Why not bring everyone’s favorite drink to your holiday festivities? This one keeps all the character of a classic margarita and adds cranberry juice for a vibrant color and sweet tart nuance. With a garnish of fresh cranberries and rosemary, it’s holiday perfection. We created this drink especially for a virtual holiday party with our friend Sierra: it could not be more festive! What’s in a Christmas margarita? Who doesn’t love a good margarita? (No one.) This classic cocktail is one of the most iconic in the world: it was invented in the 1930’s and is even more popular today. In fact, the classic margarita is on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. This means there’s an “official” definition of how its made: it’s just three ingredients: lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila. The Christmas margarita is a spin-off on the classic. We’ve kept all the classic ingredients and added 100% cranberry juice. […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

The Christmas margarita is the best holiday drink! This brilliant cranberry spin is irresistible and perfect for festivities.

Christmas margarita

Looking for a Christmas cocktail that’s fun and a little…unexpected? It’s not often that tequila features in holiday cocktails. But this one is absolutely stellar: try the Christmas Margarita! Why not bring everyone’s favorite drink to your holiday festivities? This one keeps all the character of a classic margarita and adds cranberry juice for a vibrant color and sweet tart nuance. With a garnish of fresh cranberries and rosemary, it’s holiday perfection. We created this drink especially for a virtual holiday party with our friend Sierra: it could not be more festive!

What’s in a Christmas margarita?

Who doesn’t love a good margarita? (No one.) This classic cocktail is one of the most iconic in the world: it was invented in the 1930’s and is even more popular today. In fact, the classic margarita is on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. This means there’s an “official” definition of how its made: it’s just three ingredients: lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila.

The Christmas margarita is a spin-off on the classic. We’ve kept all the classic ingredients and added 100% cranberry juice. Because it’s unsweetened and very tart, we added a splash of simple syrup to balance things out. Here’s what you’ll need to make a Christmas margarita:

  • 100% cranberry juice
  • Tequila (use blanco or reposado)
  • Cointreau
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Simple syrup or maple syrup
Christmas margarita recipe

100% cranberry juice vs sweetened: what to know

When you’re shopping for the cranberry juice for your Christmas margarita, make sure to find 100% cranberry juice, which is unsweetened. You can easily find it at most grocery stores, but it’s right next to the sweetened cranberry juice. Here’s what to know for when you’re shopping:

  • Sweetened cranberry juice aka cranberry juice cocktail has added sugars and sometimes high-fructose corn syrup as sweetener. This type of cranberry juice has been available since the 1940’s for making classic cranberry cocktails like the Vodka Cranberry. However, we like using the modern 100% juice.
  • 100% cranberry juice is unsweetened and made only with cranberries: no added sugar! The benefit? The color is brighter, and you can sweeten your drink to taste.

Did you buy unsweetened? That’s ok, just don’t sweeten your drink as much. Use half of the simple syrup in the recipe below — or even add it to taste.

How to make a salt rim

Of course, a perfect Christmas margarita needs a salt rim! Why is salt used in margaritas? Salt brings out the sweet and sour flavors in the drink. Plus, it’s ultra classic. For the Christmas margarita you could also make a sugar rim if you’d like! Just use superfine or granulated sugar and follow the instructions below. Here’s how to make a salt rim:

  1. Use kosher salt or flaky sea salt (not table salt!). These types of salt are chunky and make for just the right texture on the rim. Or, you can make festive Margarita Salt!
  2. Take a lime wedge and cut a notch in the middle. Then slide it around the rim of the glass. This moistens the rim without having to use your fingers.
  3. Rim the outside edge only. Spread the salt on a plate in an even layer. Tilt the glass into the salt so that the sugar sticks to the outside edge. Shake off any loose salt into the sink.
Christmas margarita

How to make a Christmas margarita!

Once you’ve rimmed the glasses, making a Christmas margarita is very simple: all you have to do is shake the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker! Here’s what to do:

  1. Rim the glass with salt. See above!
  2. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Shake the cranberry juice, tequila, lime juice, Cointreau and simple syrup together with ice in a cocktail shaker (or use a mason jar with a lid).
  3. Strain into a glass and add ice. Strain it into a glass and serve with ice! You can also add fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary as a beautiful garnish. Speaking of ice…

Step it up with clear ice

Want to have the most beautiful look for this Christmas margarita? Look in the photos: see that beautiful crystal clear ice block that looks like it’s cut off a glacier? It’s called Clear Ice. Clear ice is artisan style ice that’s crystal clear, unlike normal ice that’s cloudy. It’s very easy to make at home: Alex created a method that we do with all of our cocktail recipes! Go to How to make clear ice.

Salt rim and clear ice

What to serve with a Christmas margarita

This Christmas margarita is ideal for holiday gatherings: especially a holiday cocktail party! We made this cocktail and our Christmas martini for a special virtual cocktail party with our friend Sierra from Eclectic Kurves. These drinks pair perfectly with nibbles and appetizers! You can make up a holiday platter with some of the ideas below:

When to serve a Christmas margarita

The Christmas margarita is ideal for holiday gatherings in the fall and winter. It works as a:

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Christmas margarita

The Christmas Margarita

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

The Christmas margarita is the best holiday drink! This brilliant cranberry spin is irresistible and perfect for festivities.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) tequila blanco or reposado**
  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) 100% cranberry juice (not sweetened)*
  • 3/4 ounce (1 1/2 tablespoons) Cointreau
  • 3/4 ounce (1 1/2 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup or maple syrup*
  • Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for the rim (optional)
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
  • For the garnish: cranberries, rosemary sprig

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use Margarita Salt).
  2. Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until cold. Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice, garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig, and serve.

Notes

*If all you can find is sweetened cranberry juice, use half the simple syrup quantity (or add to taste). 

**To make a pitcher of 8 servings, mix together in a pitcher: 1 1/2 cups tequila, 2 cups 100% unsweetened cranberry juice, 3/4 cup Cointreau, 3/4 cup lime juice, 3 tablespoons simple syrup. Add three handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into individual glasses. 

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Christmas margarita

More Christmas drinks

There are so many great cocktails to serve in the holiday season! Here are a few ideas:

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Strawberry Margarita

I have another recipe on the site for Strawberry Margaritas that uses fresh strawberries, but this recipe uses strawberry-infused vermouth, which I had on hand after making a Strawberry Spritz. I like it so much, I decided to give it a go in a Margarita. It worked so well, even better than expected, that I just had to share. I think you’ll like it, too….

I have another recipe on the site for Strawberry Margaritas that uses fresh strawberries, but this recipe uses strawberry-infused vermouth, which I had on hand after making a Strawberry Spritz. I like it so much, I decided to give it a go in a Margarita. It worked so well, even better than expected, that I just had to share. I think you’ll like it, too.

Continue Reading Strawberry Margarita...

Your Pantry Is a Treasure Trove of Cocktail Ingredients

We’ve teamed up with Tequila Don Julio, makers of top-shelf tequilas since 1942, to highlight creative (yet totally doable!) ways to shake up your cocktail game. Here, food writer and recipe developer Irene Yoo shares three summer-ready drinks all made…

We've teamed up with Tequila Don Julio, makers of top-shelf tequilas since 1942, to highlight creative (yet totally doable!) ways to shake up your cocktail game. Here, food writer and recipe developer Irene Yoo shares three summer-ready drinks all made with—wait for it—pantry ingredients.

I’ve always been a saver. The “What if I could use this in the future?” possibility applies to all aspects of my life: a denim skirt from high school, some outdated aux cords, scrap pieces of paper (they could be used for origami one day!), you get the idea. This mentality finds its way into the kitchen, too.

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