Thanksgiving Cocktail: A Harvest Margarita

When my friend Marina requested an apple cider margarita for her party, I was dubious.  My brain flashed to an apple martini (how tacky!) and something far too sweet for my tastes.  But leave it to my husband to know just what I like.  Greg's version is the perfect blend of tart, spice & smoke with just a touch of sweet.  Our friend Jenna has coined it "The Harvest Margarita" which makes it the perfect cocktail to serve for Thanksgiving!  As always, prepare a pitcher (or two, or three) in advance, so that nobody has to play bartender while watching football or cooking the bird.  You can even steep the fresh cider with cinnamon, cardamom & cloves a day or two in advance.  And in the fashion of my mom, I'll also set out a tray of champagne glasses with frozen cranberries & bubbly.  It just wouldn't be a holiday without some tradition!

The Recipe

makes a pitcher of drinks, about twelve

the ingredients

24 oz fresh apple cider

10 cinnamon sticks

15 cardamon pods

a teaspoon or so of cloves

18 oz repesado tequila

6 oz fresh lime juice

3 oz cointreau

3 oz water

a couple of pinches of fine sea salt

ice

to make the spiced cider:  combine cider, cinnamon sticks, cardamon & cloves in a stock saucepan on the stove and bring to a boil.  cover and simmer for 30 minutes.  remove from heat, strain and let cool completely.  

to make the cocktail: stir spiced cider, tequila, lime juice, cointreau & water in a pitcher.

to serve:  pour 4.5 ounces over ice.  enjoy.

tips: apple cider & lime juice can be prepped a day in advance and refrigerated.  the cocktail can be made the morning of and refrigerated.