Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe (2024)

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A smooth, sweet, and spicy fall themed co*cktail, this Thanksgiving Margarita is a treat for the taste buds!One of the most unique margaritarecipes you’ll ever try!

Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe (1)

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!

Related: For another fabulous fall co*cktail, try our Crown Apple Spiked Apple Cider too!

Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe (2)

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!)

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However, it is perfectly acceptable to serve a margarita in a co*cktail glass (shown below). You’ll notice that we’ve used both the traditional, and easy-drinking co*cktail glass in this post. The benefits to this type of glass is that it is less likely to spill.

Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe (4)

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 (see the FAQ section for tips on picking a 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

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How to Make a Thanksgiving Margarita

  1. Pour a 1/4″ layer of salt on a small plate. Run a lime along the rim of your co*cktail 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.)
  2. 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.
  3. Combine liquid ingredients into a co*cktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  4. Strain ice and pour your Thanksgiving margarita into prepared co*cktail glass.
  5. Finish with a whole cinnamon stick.

This recipe is intended for 21+; please enjoy responsibly!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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 co*cktail, 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 thisreally counts as a margarita.

A traditional margarita is made up of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. This co*cktail 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!

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 co*cktail over the ice when ready to enjoy.

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More of our Favorite Margarita Recipes:

  • Fresh Skinny Margarita Recipe
  • Christmas Margarita Recipe
  • Frozen Blackberry Margarita Recipe
  • Mexican Candy Margaritas

More Fall Drink Recipes to Try:

  • Sparkling Fall Punch
  • Campfire co*cktail
  • Maleficent Halloween co*cktail
  • Witches Brew co*cktail
  • Slow Cooker Apple Cider(Family-Friendly!)

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 (8)

Print Recipe

Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe

A smooth, sweet, and spicy fall themed co*cktail, this Thanksgiving Margarita is a treat for the taste buds!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time0 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: co*cktail, co*cktails, fall, margarita, tequila, Thanksgiving

Servings: 1

Author: Stacey aka the Soccer Mom

Cost: $5

Ingredients

  • 2 oz 100% apple cider
  • 2 oz pear juice
  • 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

  • Strain ice and pour your Thanksgiving margarita into prepared co*cktail glass.

  • Finish with a whole cinnamon stick.

Video

Notes

Note: Nutrition information is a rough estimate only; actual values will vary based on the exact ingredients used and amount of recipe prepared. 21+

Be sure to pin our Fall Margarita recipe on Pinterest:

Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe (9)

More of our favorite tequila co*cktails

Sparkling Pink Paloma Recipe

Frozen Blood Orange Margarita Recipe

  • Author
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Stacey aka the Soccer Mom

Stacey is the creator of The Soccer Mom Blog, a Houston Texas mom blog that focuses on positive living for women and families. She loves to share real food recipes, money-saving tips, parenting encouragement, kids activities, DIY tutorials, home hacks, fitness, and so much more! To get to know Stacey even better, click here.

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Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in margaritas? ›

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

Why do you put triple sec in margaritas? ›

Traditionally, orange has always been a classic pairing for any agave-based spirit, providing a sweeter complement without overpowering the notes of the agave. In Margaritas, the inclusion of triple sec provides a luscious, warm citric note that counterbalances the lime juice's high acidity.

What is a substitute for tequila in a margarita? ›

A few margarita substitutes can be made with items on hand in nearly any home or restaurant. For example, instead of tequila, you could use vodka; instead of Triple Sec, you could add some orange juice and grenadine; finally, for lime wedges, you might want to garnish with lemon slices.

Why is it called a dirty margarita? ›

The dirty margarita takes its inspiration from the dirty martini, a classic libation made with strong liquor and a splash of a little something not-so-clear. We swap olive juice for jalapeno brine, making this a drink that packs the heat–and a punch.

What to add to margarita mix to make it better? ›

A splash of fruit juice can also add some more flavor to your margaritas. Grapefruit juice will give a tart, slightly sour flavor, while pineapple juice creates a more tropical-tasting drink. "Citrus-based juices are essential for balancing out the sweetness of a margarita," David Alan told Insider.

What hard liquor is good for Thanksgiving? ›

Don't forget the Bourbon! It doesn't matter what type of pie is on the menu--bringing the host a nice bourbon will set it off. Add it to the whipped cream to complement apple pie, or pour a shot to pair with a pumpkin or pecan pie. (Here are some of our favorite bourbons for the holidays.)

What do most people drink on Thanksgiving? ›

Best Thanksgiving Drinks
  • This cranberry cinnamon whiskey sour is spiced, warming and refreshing at the same time.
  • Red apple cider sangria may be my #1 favorite.
  • This pumpkin pie bourbon smash tastes just like your favorite dessert.
  • And this cranberry cobbler smash is even better.
Nov 9, 2023

What is the drinking night before Thanksgiving called? ›

Blackout Wednesday (also known as Drinksgiving) refers to binge drinking on the night before the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.

Is Grand Marnier or triple sec better for a Margarita? ›

Can they replace Triple Sec? Both Grand Marnier and Cointreau are excellent replacements for Triple Sec when making a Margarita. In fact, both of these are significantly more expensive and are considered to be better than inexpensive Triple Sec both in quality and taste.

Do you lick the salt before or after Margarita? ›

Lick the salt off the rim as you drink your blended drink.

Even if you are using a straw, you can still grab a mouthful of salt before each sip. Lift your drink up to you and lick the rim, then use the straw to sip your margarita.

What can I use instead of Cointreau in margaritas? ›

Our Top 9 Best Cointreau Alternatives
  • Grand Marnier. Grand Marnier is our top substitute for Cointreau. ...
  • Triple Sec. Triple sec is a clear, orange-flavored liqueur commonly used as a substitution for Cointreau in co*cktails and baking. ...
  • Curaçao. ...
  • Aperol. ...
  • Campari. ...
  • Combier Liqueur d'Orange. ...
  • Luxardo Triplum. ...
  • Bols Dry Orange.
Mar 8, 2023

What is the healthiest margarita to order? ›

Order “Skinny” margarita, only it doesn't have fake sugar (you'll have to ask your server/bartender). Ask for light to no agave/simple syrup. Tequila neat/straight up with a lime. Ask to swap in Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier in place of a margarita mix, sugar, or agave.

What makes a margarita taste like a margarita? ›

A Margarita is said to have all five main tasting notes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami, making it a perfectly balanced drink. It has a strong citrus flavour from the presence of lime juice and triple sec - an orange-flavoured liqueur.

What can I use instead of Grand Marnier in a margarita? ›

Cointreau is the best substitute for Grand Marnier. It's less expensive and has a deep rich orange flavor.

What is a real margarita made of? ›

In a co*cktail shaker, combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds (the bottom of a metal shaker should frost over). Fill glasses with fresh ice and strain margarita into both glasses. Garnish with lime wheels and serve.

What was the original margarita made with? ›

The "Original Margarita" recipe, as given by Cointreau on their website, has slightly more of their own sweet liqueur: 1 part white tequila, 1⁄2 part Cointreau, and 1⁄2 part fresh squeezed lime juice.

What makes truly margarita style? ›

Made with real lime juice concentrate, agave nectar and sea salt to deliver a unique mix of sweet, sour, salty and refreshing flavor in every sip.

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