A smooth, sweet, and spicy fall themed cocktail, this Thanksgiving Margarita is a treat for the taste buds! One of the most unique margarita recipes you’ll ever try!
Thanksgiving Margarita
If you ever need to order me a drink, I’ll always go for a glass of red wine or a margarita — tequila is my fav!
Because I am obsessed with all things fall (it is my favorite season!) I decided it was about time to try fall themed margaritas! I’m super excited to share this Thanksgiving margarita recipe with you guys!!
This fall margarita is downright fabulous — from the gorgeous orange color (which reminds me of the leaves turning colors in my home state of West Virginia) to the unique flavor profile. Smooth, sweet, and with a hint of spicy cinnamon kick — totally irresistible! I love how it smells too! Like fresh apple cider…yumm!
If you’re in charge of drinks for Thanksgiving this year, you’ve got to try this Thanksgiving margarita recipe. The ingredients listed below are for one drink, but you can up the proportions and make a pitcher for your crew.
Let’s get mixing!
What Kind of Glass Do You Serve a Margarita In?
Traditionally, a margarita is served in a margarita glass or champagne coupe (pictured directly above). The pros to this particular glassware is that you can hold it by the stem, so that your body heat doesn’t heat up the drink. Unfortunately, it is a bit more precarious and easier to spill (don’t ask me how I know!)
However, it is perfectly acceptable to serve a margarita in a cocktail glass (shown below). You’ll notice that we’ve used both the traditional, and easy-drinking cocktail glass in this post. The benefits to this type of glass is that it is less likely to spill.
Thanksgiving Margarita Ingredients
I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience in re-creating this recipe; disclosure policy available here.
- 2 oz 100% apple cider
- 2 oz pear juice
- 1½ oz gold tequila
- 1 oz Grand Mariner or orange liqueur
- Salt (for glass)
- Lime
- Ice
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Makes one Thanksgiving margarita; multiply the amounts above by 4 to make a pitcher.
Bartender’s Tools Used
What is the Best Tequila for Margaritas?
I always say to use a tequila that you could drink on its own, because the better the tequila itself tastes, the better the margarita will taste!
However, you don’t have to use the fanciest, most expensive tequila for a margarita. I mean you can, but it’s almost a waste since you’re mixing it!
For margaritas, or any tequila based cocktail, I recommend using a nice mid-range tequila. You can use any variety: silver, gold, reposado or añejo (aged). I enjoy the robust flavor or a reposado or añejo with the spicy flavors of this recipe.
Is This Really a Margarita?
The number one feedback I’ve gotten on this recipe since I published it last year is how awesome and unique this drink is!
I’ve also gotten a few comments questioning if this really counts as a margarita.
A traditional margarita is made up of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. This cocktail has all three of those must-have components for margaritas — we simply incorporated a couple extra fall flavors!
So yes, as a margarita enthusiast, I’d say that this Fall Margarita definitely counts! And no matter what you call it…this is one delicious drink!
How to Make a Thanksgiving Margarita
- Pour a 1/4″ layer of salt on a small plate. Run a lime along the rim of your cocktail glass, turn glass upside down and gently press the rim into salt. (You can also use simple syrup, if you have this on hand, to get the salt to stick to the glass.)
- Scoop ice into glass so that it is about 3/4 of the way full and squeeze the rest of your lime wedge over the ice.
- Combine liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain ice and pour your Thanksgiving margarita into prepared cocktail glass.
- Finish with a whole cinnamon stick.
This recipe is intended for 21+; please enjoy responsibly!
Can You Make this a Frozen Margarita?
Yes, you absolutely could! Personally, I prefer my margaritas on the rocks, so that’s why this recipe is shown as such.
Just keep in mind that when you make a frozen margarita, the ice is in small pieces and will dilute the drink a bit quicker.
Can You Make Enough for a Pitcher?
If you’re serving a crowd, you can make a pitcher and save time! A standard drink pitcher makes 4-5 servings, so simply multiply the ingredient amounts by four.
When making a pitcher, I recommend omitting the ice from the pitcher itself so the drink doesn’t get watered down. Instead, add ice to the glass directly and pour the cocktail over the ice when ready to enjoy.
More of our favorite margarita recipes:
Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe (Printable Copy)
If you liked this recipe, please rate it! We’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz 100% apple cider
- 2 oz pear juice
- 1½ oz gold tequila
- 1 oz Grand Mariner or orange liqueur
- Salt for glass
- Simple syrup or lime wedge (to adhere salt to glass)
- Ice
- Cinnamon sticks for ganrish
Instructions
- Pour a 1/4" layer of salt on a small plate. Run a lime along the rim of your cocktail glass, turn glass upside down and gently press the rim into salt.
- Scoop ice into glass so that it is about 3/4 of the way full and squeeze the rest of your lime wedge over the ice.
- Combine liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain ice and pour your Thanksgiving margarita into prepared cocktail glass.
- Finish with a whole cinnamon stick.
Video
Notes
Be sure to pin our Fall Margarita recipe on Pinterest:
More of our favorite tequila cocktails
Frozen Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
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Marcia says
How much simple syrup and how is it used?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
The simple syrup is only used to get salt to stick to the rim of the glass – I changed it to lime in the post itself because that works too and is something we always have in the fridge. Sorry for the confusion!
Kathy says
Amazing and perfect for fall! This will be served at cocktail hour on Thanksgiving day! Thank you for such a tasty drink!
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Thank you Kathy! 🙂
Sarah Smith says
I can’t wait to try! Have you ever made this in a larger batch?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
You can absolutely make this in a bigger batch 🙂 Just increase the ingredients proportionately – you can whisk together (without ice) in a pitcher and then pour over ice inn glasses.
Jakkie M. says
I love you for making this!!!
This is has got to be one of the best drink recipes ever.
Cinnamon & sugar around the rim is an amazing substitute for salt.
This drink gives me warm and fuzzies, and that’s not just the alcohol, haha.
Thank you!
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Will have to try the cinnamon sugar rim – thanks for the tip!