Apple Cider Margarita (Sparkling Manzana Paloma)

4.67 (3 ratings)

Apple Cider Margarita (Sparkling Manzana Paloma)

This Apple Cider Margarita is a festive fall cocktail made with tequila, apple cider, maple syrup, and a splash of sparkling water. Also known as a Manzana Paloma, it’s crisp, spiced, and refreshing — perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or cozy holiday parties.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: cocktails

Author: Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack | Muy Bueno

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
3 ounces tequila blanco, reposado, añejo, or cristalino
2 cloves
Sparkling mineral water
Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Apple slice, for garnish
Cloves, for garnish

Instructions

To rim the glasses, spread a small layer of maple syrup on glass rim, and place a mixture of cinnamon and sugar in a shallow plate. Dip the rim of a glass into the cinnamon sugar mix.
Add apple cider, maple syrup, tequila, and cloves to a shaker filled halfway with ice.
Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker frosts up.
Strain into cocktail glasses with or without ice.
Top with a splash of mineral water.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin slice of apple pierced with cloves.

Notes

I used a cristalino tequila, but you can use your favorite blanco, reposado, añejo, or cristalino.
For a mocktail version, skip the tequila and top with sparkling water or ginger beer.
To make a pitcher for parties, multiply the recipe and chill without ice or sparkling water. Add sparkling water to each glass before serving.
Swap apple cider for apple juice if that’s what you have on hand — the flavor will be lighter and sweeter.
Try rimming your glasses with brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweeter touch.

Nutrition