Every year, I visit the local orchards for apple picking just as soon as they open. My family and I come home with apples for homemade slow-cooker applesauce, apple crisp and maybe an apple pie or two, but I’m not going to lie: I’m also there for the warm-from-the-oven apple cider donuts and freshly pressed apple cider. And while you just can’t top the flavor of apple cider straight from the orchard, one of my favorite ways to use apple cider is in cocktails.
This harvest mezcalita cocktail is an autumn twist on a mezcalita, otherwise known as a mezcal margarita. Like its name suggests, a mezcal margarita replaces the tequila in the classic margarita recipe with mezcal. The signature smoky flavor of mezcal is the perfect foil for apple cider’s sweet-tart flavor, making a mezcal apple cider drink the perfect fall cocktail.
What is mezcal?
Like tequila, mezcal is a spirit made from agave. The majority of mezcal is produced in the state of Oaxaca, located in southern Mexico. Unlike tequila, which must be made from blue agave, mezcal can be made with any agave species. Mezcal gets its smoky flavor from the pit-roasted piñas, or agave hearts, which are fermented and distilled. Tequila, in contrast, is made from steamed piñas.
Mezcal Apple Cider Cocktail Ingredients
- Cinnamon-sugar rim: A fresh lime wedge is used to moisten the edge of the cocktail glass, which is then rolled in cinnamon sugar. Use store-bought cinnamon sugar, or make it yourself by combining the cinnamon and sugar in a 1-to-4 ratio. To make a small amount, mix 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. You’ll only need about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar to rim the glass, so store any leftover cinnamon sugar in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Apple cider: For the most complex flavor, use unfiltered apple cider. Use leftover cider in another tasty autumn recipe with apple cider.
- Mezcal: The smoky flavor of mezcal evokes the aromas of an autumn bonfire. We used Lost Explorer Espadín Mezcal to develop this recipe because we love its apple-forward, herbaceous and mildly smoky flavors.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime juice adds a tart and bitter component that complements the sweetness of the apple cider. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Cointreau: A splash of orange-flavored Cointreau balances the smokiness of the mezcal. You can substitute another orange-flavored liqueur, such as triple sec or Grand Marnier (which is triple sec blended with cognac), if needed.
- Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup adds sweetness to the cocktail. There’s a big difference between pancake syrup and maple syrup, so use real maple syrup for the deepest flavor. Bonus points if you can find a small-batch variety cooked over a wood fire for added smoke notes.
- Garnishes: The cocktail is garnished with thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the glass
Rub the edge of the serving glass with the lime wedge and dip the rim in cinnamon sugar. Fill the glass with ice.
Step 2: Shake the cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, mezcal, lime juice, Cointreau and maple syrup. Fill it with ice, cover the shaker and shake the cocktail until the shaker is frosty, 15 to 20 seconds.
Step 3: Strain and garnish the cocktail
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Garnish it with thin slices of apple and a cinnamon stick.
Harvest Mezcalita Variations
- Add a little spice: If you like things on the spicy side, add a slice of fresh jalapeno to the cocktail shaker and muddle it before adding the rest of the ingredients. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar rim to give it a kick of spice.
- Switch the citrus: Replace the lime juice with lemon juice for a sweeter harvest mezcalita.
How to Batch Harvest Mezcalitas
Like most margaritas, mezcalitas can be turned into batch cocktails for a crowd. However, you shouldn’t make a pitcher of harvest mezcalitas too far in advance, as the citrus will oxidize over time, weakening its flavor.
To batch harvest mezcalitas, simply double, triple or quadruple the base cocktail recipe. Combine the ingredients in a drink pitcher, give them a big stir and store the pitcher in the fridge. Prep the serving glasses with a cinnamon-sugar rim and fill them with ice just before serving. Be sure to give the mezcalitas another big stir before pouring them and adding the garnish.
Harvest Mezcalita Tips
What should you serve with harvest mezcalitas?
These apple cider mezcal cocktails would be a tasty addition to any fall gathering. Serve harvest mezcalitas alongside other fall-inspired drinks such as maple old-fashioneds, cranberry Moscow mules or pumpkin spice white Russians. As for the food, lean into the fall vibes and serve with fall party foods such as mini sweet potato pies, brat and bacon pizza or deluxe walking nachos.
Can you make a harvest mezcalita with tequila?
You can easily make this recipe into a harvest margarita by replacing the mezcal with tequila. Use a reposado or anejo tequila for a more complex flavor. Avoid less-expensive “gold” tequila, which often gets its hue from the addition of caramel coloring. For a more concentrated apple cider flavor, try our apple cider margarita recipe, which is flavored with an easy apple cider syrup.