The Perfect Fall Margarita: Cozy Meets Crisp
Margaritas are usually thought of as the ultimate summer cocktail—bright, zesty, best enjoyed poolside or at the beach. But who says margaritas can’t have a cozy, autumnal twist? With the right ingredients, you can transform this warm-weather classic into the perfect fall cocktail: comforting, seasonal, and full of flavor.
Why a Fall Margarita Works
Autumn is all about layering—sweaters over dresses, blankets on the couch, and yes, layers of flavor in your cocktails. Traditional margaritas lean bright and citrusy, but by incorporating fall-forward flavors like apple, pear, pomegranate, cinnamon, and warm spices, you can give your margarita a seasonal upgrade. The result? A cocktail that feels festive yet familiar.
Key Ingredients for a Fall Margarita
Here’s what makes a fall margarita stand out:
- Non-alcoholic Tequila: The base ingredient in any margarita. Our non-alcoholic tequila has warm, oaky notes.
- Citrus Base: Fresh lime juice is still a must—it keeps things balanced and crisp.
- Non-alcoholic orange liqueur -
- Seasonal Flavors: Apple cider, pomegranate juice, or even spiced pear syrup can create a fall twist.
- Sweetener: Swap simple syrup for maple syrup or cinnamon agave for a cozy, earthy sweetness. Instead of a salt rim, go for a brown sugar rim.
- Spice: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a chili-salt rim can bring warmth and depth.
A Tip From Enjoy Mocktails - If you don’t have all the ingredient for these drinks, here’s our favorite fall must haves! Instead of our non-alcoholic tequila, purchase our non-alcoholic Cadillac Margarita. Our non-alcoholic Cadillac Margarita has all the flavors of a margarita - sweet heat, tequila taste, and citrus zest.
If you want to know Mama with a Mocktail’s fall favorites here the are:
- Enjoy Mocktails Non-alcoholic Cinnamon Fire Whiskey (takes just like Fireball minus the alcohol!)
- Enjoy Mocktails Non-Alcoholic Apple Pie Bourbon with the bourbon notes, spice, and apple flavors
- Enjoy Mocktails Non-Alcoholic Spice Rum - A little spice is so nice! This non all the flavors that are in spiced rum, but leaves you feeling much better the next day.
Recipe: The Perfect Fall Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz non-alcoholic tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz apple cider
- ½ oz non-alcoholic orange liqueur
- ½ oz maple syrup
- A splash of non-alcoholic cinnamon whiskey
- Ice
Directions:
- Rim your glass with lime juice and dip into cinnamon sugar (for cozy sweetness) or chili salt (for a spicy edge).
- In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, apple cider, orange liqueur, maple syrup, and cinnamon whiskey. Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a thin apple slice, a cinnamon stick, or even a dehydrated orange wheel for that fall vibe.
Variations to Try
- Smoky Pear Margarita: Swap apple cider for pear juice
- Pomegranate Margarita: Replace cider with 1 oz pomegranate juice
- Spiced Cider Margarita: Add in Trader Joes spiced apple cider
Cinnamon Whiskey Margarita
A little fire and warmth for chilly evenings. Non-alcoholic margaritas don’t always have to be made with tequila!
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz non-alcoholic cinnamon whiskey
- 1 oz apple cider
- ¾ oz non-alcoholic orange liqueur
- ½ oz honey syrup (honey mixed with warm water)
- Dash of ground cinnamon
Directions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass with a cinnamon-sugar rim. Garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel or cinnamon stick.
Apple Pie Bourbon Margarita
This one feels like dessert in a glass. Smooth, spiced, and perfect for fall nights.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz Apple Pie Bourbon
- 1 oz Enjoy Mocktails Cadillac Margarita
- 1 oz apple cider
- ½ oz maple syrup
- Pinch of nutmeg
Directions: Shake ingredients with ice, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an apple wheel dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Spiced Pear Margarita with Cinnamon Whiskey
Ingredients:
- 1 oz cinnamon whiskey
- 1 oz non-alcoholic tequila
- 1 oz pear nectar
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave syrup
- Cinnamon-salt rim
Directions: Shake with ice, strain, and garnish with a pear slice for a festive look.
Maple Pomegranate Margarita (with a Bourbon Twist)
Ingredients (serves 1):
- 1 oz Apple Pie Bourbon
- 1 oz non-alcoholic tequila
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz maple syrup
- Garnish: with a rosemary sprig
Directions: Shake, strain, and serve in a rocks glass. A stunning ruby-red fall cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Pair your fall margarita with cozy foods: roasted butternut squash tacos, apple chutney with sharp cheddar, or even pumpkin empanadas. It’s the perfect cocktail for autumn gatherings, Friendsgiving, or just a crisp evening at home.
🍂✨ This drink proves that margaritas aren’t just for summer—they can be the enjoyed anytime of the year!