Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe

If you need to order me a drink, you can’t go wrong with either a glass of red wine or a margarita — tequila is my favorite!

As fall is my absolute favorite season, I couldn’t resist experimenting with a fall-inspired margarita. The result is this Thanksgiving Margarita, a deliciously smooth cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of the season. From its beautiful orange hue, which reminds me of the fall foliage in my home state of West Virginia, to the sweet and spicy flavor profile, this drink is irresistible! Plus, it smells just like fresh apple cider — a total fall dream.

If you’re the one in charge of drinks for Thanksgiving this year, this margarita is a must-try! The recipe below is for a single serving, but you can easily scale it up to make a pitcher for your guests.

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Thanksgiving Margarita Ingredients

• 2 oz 100% apple cider
• 2 oz pear juice
• 1½ oz gold tequila (I recommend a mid-range tequila for the best flavor)
• 1 oz Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur
• Salt (for rimming the glass)
• Lime
• Ice
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Tip: Multiply the ingredients by four if you want to make a pitcher!

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How to Make a Thanksgiving Margarita

1. Rim your glass: Pour a 1/4-inch layer of salt onto a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then turn the glass upside down and gently press it into the salt.
2. Fill the glass: Add ice to the glass, about 3/4 full, and squeeze the remaining lime wedge over the ice.
3. Shake the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, pear juice, tequila, and Grand Marnier with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
5. Enjoy! This drink is perfect for sipping throughout your fall festivities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best tequila for margaritas?

For margaritas, I always recommend using a tequila you’d enjoy sipping on its own. You don’t need the most expensive bottle, but a nice mid-range tequila will definitely elevate the flavor of your drink. Silver, gold, reposado, or añejo are all great options, but for this fall margarita, I particularly enjoy the rich flavors of reposado or añejo.

Is this really a margarita?

Great question! A traditional margarita has tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. This fall version keeps those three essentials, but with the addition of apple cider, pear juice, and a spicy cinnamon kick. So yes, it’s definitely a margarita — just with a delicious autumn twist!

Can I make this a frozen margarita?

Absolutely! If you prefer frozen margaritas, just blend the ingredients with ice. Keep in mind that the ice may dilute the drink a bit faster than on the rocks, so drink up quickly!

Can I make a pitcher of Thanksgiving Margaritas?

Yes! To serve a crowd, simply multiply the ingredients by four for a pitcher-sized batch. When making a pitcher, omit the ice to avoid watering down the drink, and add ice directly to the glass before pouring the cocktail over it.

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This Thanksgiving Margarita is the perfect fall cocktail for your holiday celebrations. It’s sweet, spicy, and smooth — a drink that’ll leave everyone asking for more. Cheers to the season! 🍹🍂