Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe (The Perfect Fall Cocktail)

Looking to shake up your Thanksgiving drink menu? This Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe is a festive twist on a classic favorite—and it’s the perfect way to bring bold, seasonal flavor to your holiday table.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a lively Friendsgiving, this cranberry-orange margarita delivers that refreshing citrus zing with a warm autumn kick.

Unlike traditional cocktails, this one blends fall-inspired ingredients like cranberry juice, fresh orange, and a splash of cinnamon or apple cider—creating a beautifully balanced drink that feels both familiar and fun. Best of all? You don’t need any fancy bar tools to make it!

If you’re ready to impress your guests with something that’s easy to make, full of holiday cheer, and totally Instagram-worthy, you’re going to love what’s ahead.

Let me show you how to make the perfect fall margarita—simple, flavorful, and totally unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love It?

• It’s fruity, cozy, and spiced—basically fall in a glass
• You don’t need any special equipment
• It looks fancy but is secretly super easy
• The orange color and cinnamon sticks scream Thanksgiving cocktail goals

What Kind of Glass Do You Serve a Margarita In?

A classic margarita glass works great, but I actually prefer a short rocks glass or even a stemless wine glass for this one. It gives that rustic holiday feel and holds the garnish better. Just make sure it can handle ice!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe?

Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe Overview

A simple and flavorful Thanksgiving Margarita that combines the comforting flavors of apple cider, pear juice, and cinnamon with the zing of tequila and orange liqueur. A quick fall drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Course: Drink / Cocktail
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 1 drink
• Calories per Serving: ~220
• Serving Size: 1 glass

Equipment You’ll Need

You won’t need much, promise:

• Measuring jigger or shot glass
• Small plate for salt
• Spoon or straw for stirring
• Glass for serving (rocks glass or margarita glass)

Ingredients

• 2 oz 100% apple cider
• 2 oz pear juice
• 1½ oz gold tequila
• 1 oz Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Simple syrup or lime wedge (to help salt stick)
• Ice
• Cinnamon stick for garnish
• 3 thin apple slices, for garnish (optional)
• 3 fresh or frozen cranberries, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Apple cider: Go for 100% pure apple cider—cold-pressed if you can find it. Adds warmth and sweetness.
• Pear juice: This adds a light, almost floral flavor that balances the citrusy tequila perfectly.
• Gold tequila: It has a smoother, richer taste that pairs beautifully with fall spices.
• Grand Marnier: Or any orange liqueur you have. Adds that signature margarita citrus note.
• Salt rim: Totally optional, but adds a nice contrast to the sweet ingredients.
• Cinnamon stick + fruit garnish: They’re more than pretty—they infuse the drink with gentle spice and aroma as you sip.

How to Make This Thanksgiving Margarita

1. Rim your glass:

Pour a bit of simple syrup on a plate. Dip the rim of your glass in it, then press the rim into salt. Set aside.

2. Mix it up:

In a shaker (or a mason jar), add ice, apple cider, pear juice, tequila, and orange liqueur.

3. Shake or stir:

Shake well for 10 seconds (or stir if you’re not shaking). You want it chilled and lightly frothy.

4. Pour and garnish:

Fill your salted glass with ice, pour in the margarita, and garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slices, and a few cranberries.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~220
• Carbs: 17g
• Sugar: 14g
• Alcohol: Yes
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Note: These are rough estimates based on average ingredient values.

Variations

❖ Mocktail Version: Skip the alcohol and use orange juice in place of tequila and orange liqueur.

❖ Frozen Margarita: Blend all ingredients with a cup of ice for a frozen twist.

❖ Pitcher Margarita: Scale everything up and mix in a large pitcher. Stir before serving and add garnishes to each glass.

Serving Suggestions

This margarita pairs perfectly with:

➣ A charcuterie board (salty cheese + sweet drink = yes)

➣ Thanksgiving appetizers like deviled eggs or baked brie

➣ Dessert! Try it with apple pie or cinnamon rolls

Storing Tips

If you’re making a pitcher in advance, mix everything except the ice and garnishes. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then pour over ice and add fresh garnish just before serving.

Helpful Tips

✔ Use crushed ice for a more festive, slushy texture.

✔ Always taste before serving—adjust the tequila or juice to your liking.

✔ Want it sweeter? Add a splash of simple syrup or maple syrup.

Recipe Note

This drink is just as welcome at a Halloween party or Christmas brunch as it is at Thanksgiving. Just switch up the garnish to match the vibe!

FAQs

Try This Thanksgiving Margarita!

I promise, this Thanksgiving Margarita Recipe will surprise your guests in the best way. It’s refreshing, warm, and festive—all without any special tools or complicated steps.

If you make it, let me know! I’d love to hear what you think or see how you served yours. Drop a comment or tag me on facebook @alljuicecorner. Happy Thanksgiving!